Day 50

Resurrection and beyond...

Matthew 28:16-20 NIV84

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

On a mountain in Galilee, Jesus met with His disciples for the last time. How did the disciples react when they saw Him?

What were Jesus's final words?

Here we come to the heart of Calvary: Jesus's life, death, and resurrection earned Him all authority in heaven and on earth... and He commands His disciples to ...go and make disciples... He calls His followers to spend their lives making more disciples to follow Him into His Father's kingdom. This final command is for all disciples and requires two elements: baptizing and teaching.

•  ...baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit... To baptize is to "submerge," and the word name is synonymous with "character." What does it look like to submerge someone in the character of the Triune God: Father, Son, Holy Spirit? Take some time to think of the character traits of each person in the Trinity. How might you submerge a potential disciple in those traits?
• ...teaching them to obey... Obedience is not a very popular stance to take these days. Independence is worshiped in our culture, and truth equals personal opinion. How well does the church follow through on this aspect of making disciples? How do you deal with obedience to His commands in your own life? 

Do you think the church is doing a good job in following Jesus's final command? Are you?

Father God, help me to go forward on this journey toward true discipleship. Grow me in my understanding of making disciples. May others see me in You and You in me, as I love You through obedience to everything You have commanded.

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,

for all of you who were baptized into Christ

 have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Galatians 3:26-27 NIV84

Go in peace as you celebrate the Risen Savior... not just today, but every day...