When my son completes his final exams this week he will finish his first year of college. My husband and I are pleased with how he has done academically these last nine months, but we are especially proud of how successfully he has navigated his first year of independence.
We took him to campus the end of August and helped him get settled in his dorm. The morning we left him, I wanted to say so many things. I felt the need to impart last words of instruction and wisdom. Things like, “study hard,” “choose friends wisely,” “be careful with your money,” and “get enough rest.” As usual Mark just responded, “I know.” Well, it seems like maybe he really did!
Jesus’ Last Words
Last week we explored Jesus’ last words on the cross, His dying words. Today, we will consider His other last words, the ones right before His ascension. Jesus had spent forty days after His resurrection teaching and instructing His disciples. But these are the words He chose to share in His last moments with them.
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20, NLT
The Great Commission
We refer to these parting words as the “Great Commission.” Our Savior commissioned us, His disciples, with the task of making disciples of “all nations.” The wonderful truth that our Lord has “all authority” should give us the desire and the confidence to go and share Jesus’ great salvation. And as we go, we know that Jesus will be with us.
I completely agree with the Great Commission. I know I should go. I know I should make disciples. I know I should teach them everything about Jesus and His commands. I know Jesus’ parting words, but I don’t always heed them. Often a large gap exists between my “I know” and “I go.”
Jesus’ parting words are for all disciples, including you and me. How are you doing? Do you just “know” or do you “go?”
Titus Bible Study
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