Matthew 28:16-20 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 28:16-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 16Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. Verse 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Verse 18And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Verse 19Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Verse 20and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Devotion
It seems the readings for this week have brought us full circle from the beginning of God’s creating to Jesus’ commissioning of his disciples. Christ Jesus has been given “all authority in heaven and on earth”—supreme power over all of creation—and he in turn empowers us to be agents of his grace to all people.
We are now delegated, diplomats who bear the seal of authority granted by a higher power. Indeed, the highest power! As we are called by our Creator to be stewards of creation, we are sent by our Lord to mentor others in the faith. To quote the Blues Brothers, “We are on a mission from God”! And though this mission is often challenging and not without peril, Christ Jesus promises to be with us always. Let us get up in faith and go out in love. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Almighty, ever-living Lord, grant us your courage and wisdom today to be witnesses of your glory and agents of your grace. Amen.
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