Reflect Jesus
Now What?
Todd Blansit
April 23, 2023
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, 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.”
Jesus instructed his disciples to use their influence based upon their distinctive values and character.
Matthew 5.13-16
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
Our actions affect how people view Jesus
John 15.16-17
16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
I believe we have too many Christians living undercover.
Colossians 1.3-6
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.
Boldness is not about being obnoxious.
Matthew 5.16
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
What Jesus was teaching His followers was to shine His light. To be the light in times of darkness means,
You offer hope when there is none. You offer encouragement when it is needed most.
*You offer kindness despite being surrounded by hate. You offer compassion in a world that cares about the bottom line.*
You offer patience when you’re met with impatience. You offer to pick up another, dust them off, give them a hand, so they can regain their light and glow.
Ephesians 2.10
10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Boldness follows assurance.
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