Strap in! You’ve got the job!
by Sal Huckel
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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’ (Matthew 28:18,19a).
Read Matthew 28:16–20
The Great Commission! What a job! Whatever our gifts and talents, we all get the same job description from Jesus’ instructions in the final chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. Whatever age or walk of life you are from, here are your instructions! Go and make disciples of all nations, baptise them, and teach them to obey ‘everything I have commanded you’, says Jesus. Not only that, but this instruction also comes from the top. The ‘top, top’! Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. There’s no override, no way out, and no exceptions, whatever we feel are our limitations.
As Lutherans, we take the command to baptise in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit very seriously. Are we as familiar with the practice of ‘discipleship’? I’ve had the privilege of being discipled by older women in the faith, and I’ve been privileged to mentor and disciple other women myself, as well as, together with my husband, our own children. The harvest is plentiful, and the labourers are few. Discipleship is not only in the remit of pastors.
Who is there in your life, either new to the faith or not yet ‘of the faith’, whom you can disciple or teach, in accordance with the instructions God has given to you through the Great Commission?
Jesus also says, ‘Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another’ (John 13:34). We display our involvement in the Great Commission whenever – and wherever – we follow this command. However, we also need to go out, make disciples, teach the faith and labour in kingdom work. How do we do that? Tune in tomorrow as we find out some of the ways.
Lord, I accept the Great Commission as your call on my life, wherever I am, whatever I am doing, to labour in your kingdom vineyard. To bring the news of your love and gospel message to those who need it. To teach and disciple those around me who need to learn more of you, whatever my material or worldly circumstances. Please show me who needs to learn more about you. Help me fulfil my role in your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sal is the wife of Matthew, pastor at Moorabbin–Dandenong Lutheran Church and assistant bishop of the LCA Vic–Tas District. They are blessed with six children who all love and serve the Lord in their different walks of life, from high school to post-grad. Sal is currently studying a master’s degree in counselling practice. She loves writing, speaking and walking to the beach at any opportunity.
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