Thursday: The Great Commission
Jesus spent the 40 days between His resurrection and ascension primarily in preparing the disciples and His church for worldwide evangelism. The best-known and most quoted resurrection account is Matthew’s. However, during this period there were other occasions during which the risen Christ could have given further details on the gospel commission.
Image © Steve Creitz from GoodSalt.com
There were two appearances in Jerusalem, two in Galilee (one by the Sea of Tiberias, one on the hilltop) and the meeting reported in Acts 1:1-14.
There are five structured occasions in the Gospels and in Acts in which the Great Commission narrative is dealt with from various angles: on a mountain in Galilee (Matt. 28:16-20); at a table (Mark 16:14-16); in the upper room (John 20:19-23); on the beach (John 21:15-17); and just as He was taken up into heaven (Acts 1:6-9). What key points do all of these incidents have in common?
Under the power of the Holy Spirit and obeying the words of Jesus, the apostles quickly spread across the ancient world. Paul preached on the northern shore of the Mediterranean; Philip worked in Samaria. According to early Christian tradition, Matthew traveled to Ethiopia and Thomas to India.
Though starting out small, and with so much opposition, through the grace of the Lord these faithful followers were able to spread the gospel message to the world. Whatever their faults, weaknesses, fears, doubts, and struggles, they accepted the call and worked for the salvation of the world. That is, what they learned about Jesus, what they got from Jesus, they sought to share with others. Isn’t that what being a Christian is all about?
What have you been given in Christ? How should God’s gift to you through Christ influence your attitude toward witness and mission to others?
(30)
The church’s mission being one with Christ’s mission started with a relatively small number in Jerusalem. Before it is complete it goes to the world. In the end a relatively small group is left standing with the Lamb (Revelation 14:1). The invitation goes to all, but only a few show up (Matthew 22:14).
The remnant church is appropriately named by God to make a statement concerning the particular task at hand, the delivery of present truth which applies specifically to the last days of earth’s history. The Third Angel’s message is present truth. It addresses worship, allegiance and complete submission to the One whose righteousness covers the repentant sinner.
The Everlasting Gospel centered on God is love is to be preached, but the identified repairers of the breach (Isaiah 58:12) cannot adopt the posture of Babylon and be content to just say a few nice things about Jehovah to boost popularity (Luke 6:46). Like John the baptizer the last day preachers prepare the way for the coming of Jesus with a message of repentance and restoration.
Since the first advent of Christ there have been many admirers of Jesus. Many followers turned away when told by Jesus they needed to be partakers of His body (John 6:53-61, 66). Today the invitation is the same, to be partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).
Beyond increasing the fan base the commission is to let the world know only the fully committed will find a place in the kingdom of Heaven on Christ’s return. It is an injury to the lost and a failure of duty to the Creator for disciples to share anything less than the saving truth. So how committed are we to the mission?
Thank you for reminding me of what I should be doing even if it mean doing it alone...
I do pray that my good God to give His people the insight to see the need of spreading the good news to all the world in this generation.
Of a truth this commission exists, along with the forgiveness of sins, in the Seventh day Adventist Church, prophesy have been cracked and explained well fully, but the same importance have not been given to understanding the great commission and the Apostle Ministry, and powers conferred by Jesus Christ upon these men.
I have the gift of help as well as encouragement. I believe Jesus has given me love for soul as well as these gifts to help others when they feel hopeless. This is important when life seem to get in the downward trod. We must remember that these gifts are for the up building of God kingdom and we are to point others to where they are in this time and space in life. God has given everyman the reasonability to help the next man and when we put that first and far most in our lives this world would surely know the Father and the blessings, hope of the grace of God. Are we so self centered that we forget it is the layman that will help the Master and not just the Pastor or the bible worker to do the job but it is all who are believer in Christ to spread the gospel and warn others of the Judgment. Noah preach for 120 years and only 8 were saved. I will do my part, what about you?
i have been given the opportunity to share my Lord's sacrifice, for my sins .. because He loves me. why should i hide this and not share it with the world.
John 20:21 - Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Talk of example!! “…As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you”.
Where is Jesus sending us? To the nations, the world, our neighbours, the sick, prisoners, and others to share Jesus and lighten burdens. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19).
Each is to start where they are; family, work, friends and grow out led by the Holy Spirit. Amidst corruption in the world each is called to be, by His grace, salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13, 14).
This gospel of the kingdom will be preached as testimony and then the end will come (Matt. 24:14). Yet it is not for one to set dates for the day and time of the coming of Jesus (Acts 1:7).
God bless you all and enlarge your ministry as you study this powerful lesson.
The Holy Spirit gives us a Gift to suit our situation and temperament and provides the circumstances so we can use it.
Remember the parable of the talents, whether you have many or few, whether it is up front or behind the scenes, so long as you use the talent and don't bury it, you are doing the LORD's work.
How can I keep my mouth shut after what He has done for me,forgiving all my sins nd to be born again,Thank you Jesus for saving my soul as it says on Matthew 28 Let's do it,time wasted never return even if its one soul doesn't matter God want us to spread His good news to everywhere Haleluya!!!there are many souls out there nd they are tasy for good news nd they don't know about Jesus,most people think that Jesus is only for Christian let's tell them that Jesus died for us all on the cross Amen! To that Let's praise the Lord (Hamba vangeli...)
I was nothing coming from poor family,nd from the very first day I heared of Jesus love I couldn't say no Haleluya God is good all the time Let's praise him with all our hearts,people really need the Lord nd if we sleep we snooze devil is not playing out there,he wants to finish his mission wake up people of God its time now to spread Good news,we all have difficult situation whereby u feel like Jesus doesn't hear your prayers Let me tell you this He knows your future just wait for the right time,He never been late,please stay in the arc don't jump out,as devil is fighting with us,,be strong Jesus loves us all Amen to that,,,