Go in Obedience (Oct. 10)

Read: Matthew 28:16-20

Jesus’ final instructions to his disciples before ascending to Heaven demonstrate God’s heart for worldwide Evangelism, and he makes it the responsibility of believers to spread the Gospel truth.

When you read these verses, what words stand out? They worshipped, some doubted, all authority, go, make disciples, end of the age? Standing in the presence of Christ, worshiping Him, what was there to doubt? After all, they were face to face with their Savior who had just risen from the dead. How could there be any doubt? The word “doubt” can mean hesitate. If the disciples, while standing before their risen savior, can hesitate, it is understandable that we hesitate. After all, we have not seen him. In verse 19, Jesus instructs this hesitant group of 11 disciples, and us, to go.

In Romans 10:14-15, Paul asks a straightforward question: How can someone call on the one they have not believed if no one has been sent to tell them? Paul is reminding us of what Christ has already done. Christ has sent us to tell them. We remain on this earth and in Omaha to make disciples. That is what Christ is calling us to do.

What does it mean to make a disciple? Thankfully, Jesus tells us in the next few verses. Bring someone to a saving faith in Christ. “Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirt, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

Where are you in the disciple-making process? Have you put your faith in Christ? Is your life lived in obedience to Christ and in such a way that God is glorified? Do you share the good news with a hurting world?

Do you encourage people to publicly declare their faith in Christ through baptism? Are you teaching others about God’s commands and the importance of obedience?

I have heard it said that disciples make disciples. From our point of view, the great commission has a focus on obedience. In obedience, we go and tell the good news so that others can become disciples, and in obedience, go! From Christ’s point of view, He has already gone. All authority has been given to Him, and He is with us to the very end of the age.

Even though we may be hesitant, we are to go! But we go in the confidence that Christ has gone before us and is with us.


Action Step: Think of one person in your life who, as far as you know, does not know the Lord. Pray for that person every day this week when you read the Evangelism devotional. Look for an opportunity to engage that person in a conversation about spiritual matters. If an opportunity doesn’t present itself, create one.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for entrusting me with this important mission. Please grant me courage to share with others, wisdom to see the opportunities you put in front of me, and love and compassion for other’s spiritual well-being.

Author: Jeff Schmidtke