Go Therefore and Make Disciples of All Nations

This meditation is based on a passage for April 8, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Matthew 28:16-20

Reflection and Question: In this ringing finale to Matthew’s gospel, Jesus appears to the disciples and charges them to “make disciples of all nations” by baptizing and teaching. Since the 1800’s this has been taken as the call for the great missionary outreach that has resulted in the amazing growth of Christianity in Africa and elsewhere. For the disciples, there were two surprises in this great commission: first, that they were to go to nations other than the Jews and second, they were to teach what Jesus commanded, superceding the Torah including Leviticus. How do you live out Jesus’ charge here in your life?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, Love Divine, through You Jesus fulfills the promise to be with us always, to the end of the age. Show us how to wield the authority He gives us so that our service may be pleasing to You. We pray in Jesus’ Holy Name. Amen.