Matthew 28:19 – Verse of the Day 5/18/13

 
This verse contains the “Great commission” which Jesus gave to the disciples to build the Church. Its four imperatives (go, make disciples, baptize, and verse 20’s teach) ground the mission of the Church to this day. The word for “go” certainly carries the force of an imperative in this context, but it is perhaps better translated “As you go…” (it is an assumption even more than a command!). The commands that follow are impossible if the Church fails to take the message of Jesus to the ends of the earth!

While this Great Commission was entrusted to the disciples for the sake of the Church, it belongs to the whole body of Christ as each part does its work (Ephesians 4:16). As you pray, thank God that He has given you a role to play in the extension of the Gospel message, and pray that He might help you see the specific ways in which you might carry out that task according to the specific gifts He has given you.