26 October 2020 – Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

26 October 2020 – Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

Scripture

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.”

Reflection

This passage is a typical passage cited when talking about discipleship. But it is worth noting, not only is Jesus commissioning the 11 disciples and subsequently us today to go and make disciples. But such commissioning would not have been possible if it was not for Jesus’ resurrection (which was affirmed by appearing to the 11 disciples in verses 16-18). Without the resurrection, Jesus’ death would’ve been like any other ordinary death. But because he resurrected, the authority (which in Greek means ‘official power’) was taken back by Jesus from Satan and broke the power of darkness over the current world. It was through the power of the cross that Jesus received this authority that ushered in the new promised creation as seen in Revelation 21. And even though Jesus went back to the Father, we now have the same authority to continue to bring about the new promised creation on earth. And the best part is we are not left to our own devices to make disciples. Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit who is with us. He will enable us to become more like Christ and through our transformed lives establish the newly created world on earth as it is in heaven while making disciples where we go.

Thoughts for the day

  • What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
  • What does this passage tell you about humanity?
  • What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
  • How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
  • Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.

Prayer

Give thanks to God for His character, protection, provision, encouragement – however you feel you’d like to respond at this moment.

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By |2020-10-23T12:28:22+08:00October 26th, 2020|Categories: Week 4|Comments Off on 26 October 2020 – Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

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Con Loggenberg is a native South African and the Discipleship Director at Shanghai Community Fellowship (SCF). He holds a B.Sc. degree and a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Quantity Surveying, a B.Th. (Hons) degree in Theology and an M.Th. degree in Theology. He and his Texan wife, twin boys and daughter live in Shanghai, China.