September 1, 2012 Big Things

Big Things Matthew 28:18 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.” THIS is a remarkable scene. It’s called the “Great Commission” or “Great Commandment”. Jesus is commissioning, empowering, his disciples to “go and make disciples of all the nations”. If they are true disciples of the Living Lord Jesus Christ, they must become disciple makers. I’m wondering what they thought. “Make disciples of all the world.” is an enormous command. These are 11 young men. Some are likely still in their teens. They’re only 3 years removed from fishing, tax collecting, and hanging out. How are they going to do this? Will they get financial support from the local church? Nope—the only church around is the one that killed Jesus. Can they get prayer support from friends? Probably, although quite a few of their friends are probably afraid to associate with the “Jesus guys”. Do they start their own church and reach the world from there? That could work. They could worship, teach each other and invite others in—build relationships in Jesus’ name. But what’s the thing that will really work for them? It’s obeying Jesus’ command in the name of the Holy Trinity. Jesus has committed the power of God to be with them. The thing they have to do is go tell the world about Jesus. When they do, Jesus’ power commitment will change the world. It’s True! Obeying Jesus brings his power to you and the world.