Dear Explorer,
I don't know how much time Jesus spent teaching the apostles and disciples during this time after His resurrection, but Matthew records one special time of teaching that is often called the Great Commission.
First, what is a commission?
In the military it is our marching orders. The dictionary defines it as our instructions, responsibility or assignment.
Now, wouldn't you like to know what Jesus says we (as His followers) are supposed to be doing until He returns?
Read Matthew 28:16-20
Who was present for this teaching time?
What happened when the 11 apostles arrived?
Does it surprise you that some were still doubting?
It does me! How could they not understand all that they had seen and experienced? But remember, we need to be patient with those who take longer to process things. (Day 343).
In this teaching, what is the first thing that Jesus says?
What do you think He meant by “all authority” (some translate this as “all power”)?
Remember that the Pharisees often asked Jesus by what authority He taught or did things. I believe that when Jesus died and rose again, He became the ultimate Authority. He had won the battle against sin and death. Satan is called the prince of this world, but Jesus had shown that He was greater and stronger. Satan can and will often defeat us – but he cannot defeat Jesus. Jesus had accomplished what God had sent Him to accomplish and was now given Omni-authority. Wow!
I believe that Jesus is prefacing His commission by reminding us that He is the Ultimate Authority.
When Jesus says, “Therefore go….,” who is He talking to?
All followers of Jesus! He was physically talking to His 11 apostles, but I believe that this commission is to every follower of Jesus that comes after them throughout history.
What is the first assignment given?
The first instruction (in the English language) looks like it is the word “go”. And many followers of Jesus have used it as an imperative command to go. Many use this as a command to go to foreign fields for missionary work. Others use it as a command to go into your communities and neighborhoods to share the gospel.
But there is the possibility that this word “go” is not a part of the command. But rather that Jesus is saying “As you go” or “As you are going”. I believe that Jesus is teaching us that we should carry out this commission wherever we are, whatever we are doing, and all day long.
God had given the Jewish people under Moses a similar commission.
Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9
This was called the Shema. It was a commission given to the Jewish people. It specifically taught that they should carry it out day-by-day, hour-by-hour, never forgetting it as they went about their daily tasks.
I believe that Jesus was not saying take a mission trip every now and then. I don't believe He was saying to set aside a particular time to go. I think He was saying, “As you go about your daily life,” this is what you should be doing.
So, tomorrow we'll look at our assignment.
What do you think you should be doing every waking minute of the day?