The Rest of the Story: Jesus Has Risen

Read: Matthew 28

The last chapter of Matthew includes the key that separates us from all other religions: Jesus’ resurrection. No doubt, this is this pivot point in time for human existence.

The guards were scared to death, took their bribes from the chief priests and disappeared.

Mary and Mary were the first to discover the empty tomb and Matthew is unafraid to suggest that these women were the ones to carry the great news back to the disciples.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:5-6

Jesus doesn’t dwell on the event, after all, He told people, especially His disciples, this was the way it was going to happen. Instead, Matthew reports briefly on the resurrection and focuses on what we are to do with this information, how we should respond:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

The phrasing here is significant to me. All authority has been conferred to Jesus–anything is possible at this point, there are no limits, no boundaries, no holding back. He could say, “mount your horses men, let’s take on the world!” With a whisper, the voice that calmed the sea could eliminate Roman rule and demand peace throughout the land. Literally anything.

The Savior of the world leaves us with clear direction: Go and make disciples.

He didn’t say go and plant churches, though that can be an effective method for discipleship.

He didn’t say go and write books, preach amazing sermons, or compose songs that melt hearts of stone, but when Christ is honored in these methods, these can be important elements of reaching the least, the lost and the lonely.

Jesus was pretty clear: Go and make disciples.

How we do that will be different for each individual, but it is not optional. Lord, help us to know how we can do our part of your great commission, how we go into this world, where we can be most effective for your kingdom here on earth. Remind us daily that this simple command is the gas in our tank, the drive in our engine, the reason for our brief appearance on earth in human flesh.

Thank you Lord for making it clear and concise. Let’s lock arms and go into the world!