Go!
Scripture Reading — Matthew 28:16-20
"Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them ... and teaching them ..." Matthew 28:19-20
Sometimes when I'm waiting at a traffic light with my children in the car, they'll notice before I do that the light has turned green, and often they'll impatiently shout, "Dad, the light is green. Go!"
The command to go is a simple one that is meant to set us in motion.
A popular Christmas carol says, "Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born." This song certainly reflects the joyful attitude that we as Christians should have in Christ, as well as our desire to share the good news of Jesus with others.
It also reflects the words of Jesus to his disciples: "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 ..."
As Christ's disciples today, we are to make disciples of others by sharing the gospel with them. Our Lord commands us to baptize new believers into the church so that they too may belong to the body of Christ. In addition, Jesus commands us to teach all believers to live in obedience to him as Lord and Savior. It's a big task that starts with our willingness to be obedient to one little word: "Go."
Lord Jesus, we confess that we often fail to live out your great commission because we fail to go out in trust and obedience. Guide us to share your good news faithfully. Amen.
About the author — Joel Sheeres
Rev. Joel Sheeres is the pastor at First Christian Reformed Church in Crown Point, Indiana. He and his wife, Christine, have three children. Pastor Sheeres has previously served at Faith Christian Reformed Church in Elmhurst, Illinois.
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