Devotional Countdown: No 49. Authority is given, so "Go Make Disciples."

Matthew 28:18-20 (CSB). All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

We see that all authority has been given to Jesus. He has earned it through his death and resurrection. Acknowledging this authority in worship and obedience is essential.

Note that Jesus asserts his authority in this statement. The command to "make disciples" is stated clearly here. This is primary act of obedience of his disciples. We are called to invite people to follow Jesus.

How does this happen? There are three simple terms listed here that help focus the mission of his disciples.

1. Go, or possibly, "as you are going." The force of this term carries a command. We are to be on a journey with the Gospel. The type of walking, where we walk, what pace we take--all of these are not dictated. Jesus simply indicates that as you go (and wherever I lead you) make disciples. In other words, we are not be sitting still. We are to be a people on the move. Also, this is not a specific calling or a vocational commitment. It is a lifestyle of serving and teaching. In other words, as you live your life, make disciples.

2. Baptizing them. Baptism is the initiation process for every believer. If you confess Christ, you must take the step of acknowledging that faith in public. The process of baptism is a part of that acknowledgement--telling your Christian community (and others who may see) about your belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is an expression of the Gospel message and a part of the process of our evangelistic mission.

3. Teaching them to keep the words of Jesus. The long-term success of the Christian mission is based on our faithfulness to the teachings of Jesus. Part of our mission, then, is to educate others on the expectations and truth that Jesus has given to the Church.

Thus, these three actions--going, baptizing, and teaching--summarize the basic idea of "making disciples." This should the be the foundation for every Christian living a missional life.

Prayer

• Ask God to help you and your team to focus on basic foundational calling to make disciples on our trip.

• Ask God to clarify what your role is on this mission trip.

• Ask God to equip you "make disciples" within your own skills and gifts.

• Pray that our team members will be practicing these concepts in our own lives, before and after our trip