As the story unfolds in Matthew 28, we see what begins as a somber scene: the Marys are headed to the tomb of Jesus. Shortly, in just a verse, in fact, the angel descends, and the earth shakes as the angel rolls away the stone. By the end of the chapter, Jesus has gathered His disciples and made a pretty incredible announcement: all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Him … and that’s the reality behind what comes next; He sends them out.
 
And they go, not because they think they’ve come up with a great idea, or because the way is clear and safe. No, they go because the King has said to go. They go because His authority reaches every part of heaven and earth. The principalities and powers who had been given dominion after Babel were disarmed and their authority revoked. There is no people, no place that lies outside His rule and reign,

His mission is simple, really. As you go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything He had commanded. Not just the easy things, not the popular things, but all the things. They aren’t sent to put Christian labels and language on their own kingdoms. They aren’t sent to gather forces, marshal control, or develop cultural dominance. We, as they, bear witness to the King by inviting people to come under the goodness of His rule, to repent and follow the King.
 
Thankfully, He doesn’t send them out alone, and we aren’t alone either. He promised to send His presence with them … even to the end of the age.
 
Truly, the resurrection has changed everything. Jesus, the crucified One, lives. The King reigns, and His disciples are now sent out as witnesses. This isn’t a private message for a private faith; it’s an embodied reality that Jesus is Lord. Our job, then, is to invite people everywhere to repent, learn of His Way, and live together under His faithful rule.

Where might you be tempted to believe the mission depends more on you and your ability than on Jesus’ authority and presence? Who is already in your life that you could begin to see through the lens of this commission?

Father, thank you for raising Jesus from the dead and placing all authority in His hands. Guard my heart from treating mission as something powered by my strength, personality, ability, or influence. Give me courage to speak, humility to serve, and patience to help others learn the life of Jesus.

“Because Jesus reigns, I can begin to carry out His commission by  __________________.”