Scriptural Reference:
Matthew 28:16-20 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 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, baptising 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:

We are challenged when presented with what has been called the Great Commission. This title has been attributed to the Dutch missionary Justinian von Welz (1621–88). Who coined the phrase ion one of his treaties. Though it was made popular by Hudson Taylor nearly 200 years later. The challenge also was never made to just one individual but to the eleven apostles. And as some may conjecture would also include any of the those who had continued to follow the apostles.

There are several parts to the commission. These being;

Make Disciples:
We are called to 'go' and 'make disciples' of those we meet. The concept essentially is that wherever we go we should be looking to share the Gospel message and seek to convert and make disciples of those we meet. The journey will be one that we naturally make and the witnessing can become part of that journey. We may go to work each day, but in doing so we should also seek to share the Gospel in such a way as those we meet will have the opportunity to become disciples of Christ.

Proclaim the Gospel:
Mark 16:15–16 Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

In Marks words we find a negative to the rather upbeat Matthew. It's one thing to proclaim the Gospel, another to make disciples and than the kicker. Those who reject the Gospel will be 'condemned'. This may be one reason most will know of Matthew's message and not so Mark's messages. There is always a tendency for people to seek the comfortable over the difficult. Even when the difficult holds the full message and truth. When we present the message of salvation we are doing so with the desire and hope that the person will accept it and join us in parade. Sadly there will be those who will reject the truth. We may be thankful that the seed has been planted and that the individual may yet choose the right path in time. For us, we best continue our journey and not let the Devil hinder us in lengthy disputes and arguments.

Jesus and His Divine Authority:
Matthew 28:18 "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me”
The Commission does not come from a feel good lifestyle coach. Nor does it come from someone who has studied the scripture and has a deep profound knowledge of things. It comes directly from Jesus the Christ who with God the Father has the Divine Authority to set down what is needed from both the Apostles and the coming Disciples.

In his (Jesus') instructions he tells the Apostles to go out, Witness, make Disciples and Baptise them in the names of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Yes this is the first and most crucial time that the Trinity is mentioned in the Bible. Previous to this they were mentioned but in separate aspects. An example would be when Mary is told she will become pregnant by the Holy Spirit. With other mentions of God the Father. And of course Jesus as himself during his ministry. In these words Jesus identifies all three which includes himself in the midst.

We are not Alone:
Some may become timid and unsure of sharing the Gospel. Or as it has been phrased in recent times 'Gossip the Gospel'. A term I may need to write a complete scripture message on. This apprehension seems to stem from the misguided feeling that they are both unprepared and unsupported. Both of which are incorrect.

For a starter we have the promise directly from Jesus that...

Matthew 28:-20 "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

He is with us always. Not part of the time. Not when we decide we need him. But ultimately always. As close as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are, so too are they always close to us. Keeping in mind the following passages;

John 14:26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."

Luke 12:11-12 "11 When you are brought before the synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say. 12 For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.”

We are comforted and guided through all the challenges and possible trials of following the Great Commission. If only we will take hold of the promises and trust in Jesus' lasting words "I am with you always".

Prayer:

Jesus the Christ my Lord and Saviour.
Thank you for the challenge.
Make ready my heart, as I prepare myself
To share the Gospel and seeking to make Disciples
Baptising in the name of the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit.
That all may have the opportunity to be saved by your Grace.
May my heart and ears be ever open to the calming voice
of the Holy Spirit as it leads me in prayer.

I pray these things in your precious name,
Jesus the Christ

Amen