Many people think of Matthew 28 for the message of the Great Commission by Jesus Christ, however, this is not the only place where Jesus spoke of this. Even in Mark 16, Jesus said much to the preaching and teaching in all nations, and even baptism. These two chapters were written in part 1 and part 2 of the message of the great commission, but today we will go over Luke 24. Here, Jesus told His disciples to go out and preach in all nations. It reads, “and he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:45-48) So what do we have here? Jesus taught His disciples by opening their understanding of the scriptures. It was vital that Jesus suffered and died for our sins and then was raised up the third day. This is the gospel message that Jesus asked us to preach in His name, even in all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Jesus continued His message and said, “and, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.” (Luke 24:49-53) So there we go! We have joy abundant falling upon Christ’s disciples. After Jesus had blessed them, they worshipped their king, desiring to do only one thing and that was to tell the world about Jesus. His impact on them was life-changing and the disciples had to tell the world about what they knew. And especially to go forth and accomplish what Jesus asked of them. And that was to go forth and preach the gospel in all nations. Even in Matthew 28 and Mark 16, we learn that as people hear this message of hope, that we also invite them to be baptized. This invitation to be God’s witnesses wasn’t only for Jesus’s first disciples, while He was on earth, but for His disciples now also. And if you believe that You are a disciple of Jesus, even His servant, then You will also become His witness to people around you. His love would light up your life, that all people would see Jesus in you. Even in talk and your example towards them.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that You will shine Your light in us. That we will be ignited from the inside out to serve You and our fellow men and women with all our hearts, mind, and strength. May our desires be transformed into things that lift You up and not tear You down. So often do we think about things that we don’t need and only cause us to go into more debt than before. Even the things we accumulate often come about because of envy and covetousness, which should never have been bought in the first place. Lord, if we could just look to You in faith, we would stop caring about all the things our flesh desires, but start thinking upon other people instead. Surely, our selfishness would be turned into selflessness. We don’t need more people who are lifted up in the cares of this life, but people who lift You up in Your service, oh God. I don’t need much in this life, but what You can offer and do with me. If I am happy, it is because I am in Your service and a great work is being brought about in me and through me, because You did it all. I lift You up in praise and lower myself down as Your humble servant. You deserve the honor and the glory this day and forever, not people. Lord, may every person in the faith realize this and start looking to You and worshipping You today. Only then can they come to know You, as I have. Your ways are pure and holy. The gospel message of the cross and resurrection needs to be taught in all the world. I am Your servant and will continue to go forth in Your harvest. Who will join me, Lord? I pray that millions of people in the faith will join me and that many more people will be saved. I love You, God. Amen.
