QT 10/7/2024 Matt 28:16-20, We have orders

Matthew 28:16–20 (ESV) —

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

 

NOTE: In Luke 4, Jesus is tempted by Satan to forgo the cross, to worship the evil one, and to receive the kingdoms of the world. Jesus rebuked Satan and quoted scripture that only God is to be worshipped. Jesus completed his mission and what Satan had tempted with his temporary authority on earth, Jesus won by fulfilling God the Father's command.

 

Daniel 7:13–14 (ESV) —

13 “I saw in the night visions,

and behold, with the clouds of heaven

there came one like a son of man,

and he came to the Ancient of Days

and was presented before him.

14 And to him was given dominion

and glory and a kingdom,

that all peoples, nations, and languages

should serve him;

his dominion is an everlasting dominion,

which shall not pass away,

and his kingdom one

that shall not be destroyed.

 

Jesus did it the right way and gained the kingdom and the authority. But he has not taken that rule yet, despite Jesus having the authority. Satan still rules on earth, even though death has been defeated. Jesus will come soon to claim the thrones.

 

Mark 14:61–62 (ESV) —

61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

 

Making disciples is not a gift, but a command. The whole church it commanded to make disciples. They can use their gifts, but that is not required to make disciples. It is rather simple. One, share the gospel. Two, for those who respond or have responded in faith, meet with them regularly and spend time in the word of God -- over coffee, over a meal, while walking, etc. Anyone can make disciples, but few churches do it. Too many churches see education and classes as discipleship, but it is not.

 

We have been ordered to make disciples by him who has the authority, what are we doing?

 

PONDER:

1. Am I making disciples? Why or why not?
2. What steps do I need to take this year to become a disciplemaker?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray our church would continue to grow in this area of discipleship. Use me to help the church. Use me in the right places.