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Reflection #10: Our Commission, Part Two (Friday, March 30)

As we carry out the work we need to know that the presence of Jesus is with us.


Matthew 28:16–20 (NIV) — 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”


1. Read Matthew 28:16-20.  What is the main commandment or goal Jesus gives his disciples in this text (v. 19)?  What two things does this consist of (vv. 19-20)?  Which of these two do you think we tend to neglect the most?  Is it possible to baptize people and yet not make disciples?

2. How does this statement of our commission compare with those in the previous reflection?  Do the different wordings of the commission suggest any real difference in the basic message we should communicate to people before they are Christians (cf. Acts 14:21)?  Do the different wordings provide any additional guidance for us about our work with people after they have been baptized (see Matthew 28:20)? Does your current approach and outlook on evangelism include teaching the person after he has been baptized?  What things do you think new Christians especially need to be taught?

3. What encouragement does Jesus give us concerning this task (Matthew 28:20)?  What difference do you think his presence with us will make?


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