The Commission
Because He Lives, We Go
Scripture — Matthew 28:19–20 (NASB95)
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Scripture — 1 Corinthians 15:4–8 (NASB95)
And that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.
Cowboy Wisdom
When the cattle drive is over and the boss sends you back to the bunkhouse, you don't ask him twice. But when a man with all authority in heaven and on earth gives you your marching orders — the kind that carry the weight of eternity — that's not a suggestion you file away and consider later. The Great Commission is the risen Lord's charge to every believer who has ever drawn breath since that morning in Galilee. He has risen. Therefore, go. The "therefore" is everything. The mission is only possible because of the resurrection.
Notice what Jesus didn't say. He didn't say, "Go if it's convenient." He didn't say, "Go until it gets uncomfortable." He said go and make disciples — not just make converts, not just hand out tracts, but stay with people long enough to teach them, baptize them, and help them observe everything He commanded. That's a long-haul commitment. That's a cattle drive, not a day trip. Paul understood this when he listed every eyewitness he could — Cephas, the twelve, five hundred people at once, James, all the apostles, and finally himself — because the whole enterprise of going into the world depends on the resurrection being real.
And here is the promise that makes the whole thing possible: "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Not just some days. Not just when the going is easy. Always. The same Jesus who walked out of that tomb is walking alongside every disciple who says yes to the mission. You are not sent out alone. You are not sent out with your own strength or your own cleverness. You are sent out with the presence of the risen Christ as your constant companion. That is the deal of a lifetime — no, the deal of an eternity. He has risen, and because He has, everything you do in His name matters forever.
Questions for Reflection
How has the reality of the resurrection — Christ being actually alive — shaped the way you see your daily life as a mission field?
Jesus commands us to make disciples, not just believers. Who in your life are you walking alongside, teaching, and encouraging in their faith? Who could you begin to do that with?
The promise "I am with you always" is the foundation of the commission. How would your courage in sharing your faith change if you truly believed that the risen Christ was present with you in every conversation?
Prayer Focus
Lord Jesus, because You have risen, I have a reason and a mission. Forgive me for the times I have treated the Great Commission as someone else's calling. You have given all authority — in heaven and on earth — and You have given me Your presence. That is more than enough. Help me to see the people around me the way You see them. Give me the courage to open my mouth, the patience to walk alongside others, and the faithfulness to finish what You send me to start. I am not alone — You are with me, always, even to the end of the age. Send me, Lord. He has risen, and the world needs to know. Amen.
