Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Lutheran Seminary God Pause - Moved by the Promise for Friday, 13 June 2014 - Read Matthew 28:16-20

Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Lutheran Seminary God Pause - Moved by the Promise for Friday, 13 June 2014 - Read Matthew 28:16 But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them. 17 When they saw him, they bowed down to him, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go,[a] and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Footnotes:
a. Matthew 28:19 TR and NU add “therefore”(World English Bible)
I wonder how those first disciples processed Jesus' words. When I think about it from their perspective, this "Great Commission" feels so intimidating. So many questions would be running through my head. Where am I supposed to go? How do I baptize people? What am I supposed to teach them? What if they won't listen? What exactly do you mean by "world?" Jesus' last words would cause more questions than answers. But then I would remember again that closing promise: "And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matt 28:20). The questions are real and the questions are big. But Jesus is with me. The fear is real and the fear is strong. But Jesus is with me. The doubt is real and the doubt is dark. But Jesus is with me. The journey ahead of them was anything but smooth, but this promise of never being abandoned would keep them going—and us, too.
Dear Jesus, when the Great Commission seems too big, and my questions and doubts seem too powerful, help me to remember that you promise to always be with me. Amen.
Michelle Collins
Director of Faith Formation, Advent Lutheran Church, Melbourne, Fla. 
Master of Arts , 2007
Matthew 28:16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 Go therefore 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 that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."(New Revised Standard Version)
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