Matthew 28:16-20 | 1 John 2:4-6
With one final word from the gospel of Matthew, we come to perhaps its best known passage. So commonly known as the Great Commission, countless Christians hold Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples of all nations” to be at the heart of why he came. It is certainly foundational.
But what is it to make disciples? A disciple is quite literally a learner, a follower of a particular teaching. Jesus says that disciples will obey everything he has commanded them. The terms of discipleship are Jesus’ teachings, beginning with baptism.
But perhaps the greatest aspect of this passage comes last.
John Wesley, the famed founder of Methodism, wrote and said a lot of things. He lived a long life. But his final words were simple. They seemed to have been a celebration of the final words of Matthew’s gospel: “The best of all is, God is with us.”
Matthew 28:16-20
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. 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, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”
1 John 2:4-6
This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments. The one who claims, “I know him,” while not keeping his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in this person. But the love of God is truly perfected in whoever keeps his word. This is how we know we are in him. The one who claims to remain in him ought to live in the same way as he lived.
Prayer
God of action,
You sent your disciples into the world to preach, teach, and make disciples of all nations. Make us instruments of proclamation, so that all might know of the love you have for humanity. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.