“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18–20 ESV)

This week's lesson (#42) looks at how the gospel fulfills the promise made to Abraham in Genesis 12. I used to think the Great Commission was only useful for making Christians feel guilty for not evangelizing more. It saddens me to think that many still view it this way. And worse is the fact that Christian leaders still teach it that way.

But look at how the commands to "go" are sandwiched between two glorious gospel realities! First, look at the reason Jesus gives for why they can go and make disciples. It is because ALL authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him! Because he is over all things, and because you are in him, you have all you need to proclaim the gospel and make disciples.

And if that's not enough, he reminds us at the end of verse 20 that he is with us always, even to the end of the age. He hasn't left us alone to do the task he's called us to. He is with us to help us, to empower us, to remind us of what he's done for us, to comfort us, to give us courage, and to grow us continually into his likeness until he brings us home to be with him forever.

Yes, we are called to go and proclaim the gospel to all people. But it is a glorious, and grace-enabled calling!

Your partner in the gospel,

Pastor Jonathan