Faith & Love: A One Year Bible Reading Plan - Part 5Sample

In what is known as “The Great Commission”, we see Jesus sending out the disciples. However, this is only the end of the chapter and for this part, context is everything. This chapter starts with the empty tomb and the message that Jesus has risen, that He is who He said He is, and that there is a living hope in Him. And in verse 18, Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Then he invites us on this co-mission, and he says, “Therefore, go.” Now knowing the authority He carries and that He is truly the Son of God, he invites us to go and make disciples of ALL the nations.

Notice how Jesus commissions them to all the nations and not just all of Israel. They are commissioned to make disciples of even their enemies. Jesus invites us to the same mission - to make disciples, not just of the people we like or like-minded people. No, the mission goes beyond cultures, races, and economic groupings but is also as close as friends and family who have not yet accepted the grace and love we have.

This portion of scripture also reveals to us these two beautiful truths. The first is that we won’t be going in our own authority on this mission we’re invited to. We carry the authority and strength we have in Him. The second truth is that He will always be with us. I’m sure this gave the first disciples some much-needed peace, as it should us.