Welcome to the “But first, Bible” daily devotional podcast with Dave Miers.
Our readings for today are Leviticus 20-21 and Matthew 28:1-20.
Good news. Jesus’ tomb is empty! He died on the cross, but on the third day, he rose from the dead. This was surprising news for the disciples in Matthew 28. However, it shouldn’t have been a surprise as Jesus said specifically back in chapter 16, chapter 17, chapter 19 that he would suffer, die, and then be raised again.
The empty tomb of Jesus is the guarantee that all those who trust in him will also have empty tombs. Jesus died on the cross, in our place, and for our sin. Jesus rose from the dead and offers resurrected eternal life to all who trust in Him.
There’s been a bunch of mountain top experiences throughout Matthew’s Gospel, and now the final scene of this book has Jesus – once again – on a mountain top with his disciples. What is the final message that Jesus gives his disciples before he ascends back up to heaven?
Let me read from Matthew 28:18-20,
[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] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (ESV)
This is often called by commentators: The Great Commission. Three things to notice:
- JESUS RULES.
- JESUS COMMANDS.
- JESUS PROMISES.
First, Jesus Rules. Jesus has all authority on heaven and earth. He has dominion, he rules and reigns as the risen King. One of the themes we’ve seen in Matthew’s gospel is that of promise and fulfilment. There are clear echos of the vision from Daniel chapter 7 where the Son of Man is “given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.” (verse 14). Jesus’ resurrection proves that his kingdom is that everlasting kingdom.
Second, Jesus Commands. If Jesus has all authority it is worth hearing and heeding his command! His command is that his disciples would continue his mission by going to make more disciples and teach them all that He had taught them. Jesus already has all authority – but the mission is that the authority and rule of Jesus will be acknowledged by people of all nations. The command is to spread the message of Jesus! And it certainly is a message worth sharing: Jesus has lived the life we’ve failed to live – a life without sin; Jesus has died the death that we deserve – the death for sin; and Jesus has been raised again – offering everlasting life to all who trust in him.
Third, Jesus Promises. It’s a daunting task to fulfil this great commission, and yet Jesus makes a beautiful promise that he will go with his disciples as they go out on mission. He’s about to ascend back to heaven, so how will he do that? By sending his Holy Spirit to dwell in them and empowering them to courageously continue in the mission.
If you are a follower of Jesus – it’s because of the faithfulness of Christians to this command over the last 2000 years that you have heard about Christ and submitted yourself to his authority. I am praying for the church around the globe that we would all continue to faithfully give ourselves to this great commission in whatever way that we can.
As we finish Matthew’s gospel, I would love to pray for you personally, and perhaps even pray for opportunities you have in your part of the world to make Christ known. Please reach out via one of our social media accounts.
Tomorrow we start Mark’s Gospel – this could be a good time to invite someone else to follow along with this reading plan.
Until then, keep trusting Jesus.