After the great events of Holy Week and Easter, the message of Jesus’ victory is entrusted to his followers, and us, to carry into the world. We may feel unready, but Jesus promises to be with us each step of the way.
Worship this week:
Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in the Chapel
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
9:30 a.m. Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Contemporary worship
The Great Commission April 12, 2015
“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, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
Jesus spent much of the book of Matthew teaching the disciples to look at the world in a new way; to see the lowly as worthy, and to challenge the authority of those who had let power corrupt them. After his death and resurrection, it became time for the disciples to continue the work Jesus came here to do. Yet they did not work apart from his presence. They were not challenged to succeed in converting people. They were commissioned to go, baptize, and teach others to look at the world in a new way; the work of transformation still remains with Jesus.
Follow the stories of early believers and missionaries.
Sunday, Matthew 28:16-20, Great Commission
Monday, Psalm 40:9-10, Psalm
Tuesday, Acts 7:54-8:1, Stoning of Stephen
Wednesday, Acts 8:4-25, Philip Preaches in Samaria
Thursday, Acts 8:26-40, Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Friday, Acts 9:1-19, The Conversion of Saul
Saturday, Acts 9:36-43, Peter in Lydda and Joppa
- How did Jesus prepare the disciples for the work they were commissioned to do?
- Who are the people within your community that are viewed as less-than? How can you work to welcome them into God’s kingdom?
- If God changed your name as a sign that you have been set apart to serve God, what name would you want God to choose? Why?
Bless: God of grace, thank you for loving us even when we doubt. Expand our faith as your word is shared today. Amen.
