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01 - 05/25 /17:03
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.”
— Matthew chapter 28
The four New Testament Gospels record different accounts of the events following Jesus’ resurrection. Yet they share one purpose, to proclaim Jesus’ resurrection and announce that our material reality has been overthrown by God’s power and love.
The Gospel of Mark ends on Sunday morning. Three women run from Jesus’ empty tomb, fleeing an angel who told them, “He is risen!” Mark concludes, “Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.” Mark’s conclusion practically begs readers to ask what happened next.
True, Bibles include Mark 16.9-20. But they note that the oldest, most reliable copies of the book of Mark end at verse eight. The early church historian Eusebius (d.339) wrote “accurate copies Mark end at v. 8.” Jerome (d.419) wrote that “almost all Greek copies do not include verses 9-20.”
The Gospel of Luke alone recounts the risen but unrecognized Jesus’ long conversation with two disciples traveling to Emmaus. Luke also includes one meeting in Jerusalem with Jesus and His disciples, and concludes with Jesus’ ascension from the nearby Mt. Olives.
The Gospel of John records Jesus met with His disciples twice in Jerusalem before they all rendezvous on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. There Jesus reinstated the apostle Peter.
The Gospel of Matthew very briefly summarizes events following Jesus’ resurrection. However his conclusion gives the purpose of his entire book. “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Go and make disciples.
This was the mission Jesus gave the apostles. It is the mission of the church. It is the mission of Christ-followers.
Making disciples is different from gaining converts. Many who “pray the sinner’s prayer” fail to become disciples—choosing not to live in obedience to Jesus’ teaching. Making disciples is more than baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Making disciples includes challenging believers to see beyond our three-dimensional material reality, and so receive power from God. Disciples operate by faith as citizens of the kingdom of heaven that shall come to this earth. Disciples embrace the humility and wonder of being a child of God. Disciples live sacrificially, surrendering their resources and rights to advance Christ’s kingdom.
Jesus’ last command is the believer’s first priority: Go and make disciples. ~
Blessings,
Dan Nygaard