“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20
Few things terrify me more than having to go somewhere I don’t want to go, especially if I have to go alone. Like most people, I’m sure, I find it daunting to enter a party or a room full of people I don’t really know – particularly if I’m on my own. I scan the room, longing to see someone I know (even vaguely). I get that same feeling when meeting someone for the first time – exactly how awkward can I make this encounter? Being out of our comfort zone is not usually something we relish.
I saw a sweet example of this problem when my 2-and-a-bit-year-old great nephew went to meet Santa. Alfie was very excited and could talk of nothing else – until he came face to face with the man in red. Then he cowered behind his mum, too afraid to step out and request the things he’d planned.
I don’t know about you, but I feel a little bit like that when I read some of Jesus’ final words to his disciples. It’s called the Great Commission. Jesus had done what he came to earth to do – defeat death, hell and the grave to save his people from their sin. And, with all the authority in heaven and earth, he sends out his disciples to spread this good news all over the world: Jesus is the true king, and anyone can join his kingdom by trusting him, being baptised and following his teaching. I love the sentiment, but it feels daunting to say the least. Yet Jesus has sent us on this errand. He is speaking to all his followers, to you and to me. And he’s not speaking on a whim.
If we think back to the sermon from Genesis chapter 22 – we can be thrilled that we are part of the promise given to Abraham:
“All the nations of the earth will be blessed by your offspring.”
Genesis 22:18
We, through faith in Jesus, have become Abraham’s offspring and we are the means of taking the good news to Barlanark and beyond – aka all over the world!!!
But isn’t that terrifying? (It is for me.) Well, we don’t do it alone. Jesus knows we are weak and scared, and so he emphasises:
“Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
And that changes everything: way more than the confidence we feel when we walk into a room with a friend beside us; way more than Alfie taking his mum’s hand and moving towards Santa for an outstretched gift.
Jesus is with us, not just to give us strength and courage, but because without him we can do nothing. He is the one who transforms our lives, and he is the one who brings people into his kingdom – yet he gives us the great honour of serving with him, of telling others the good news.
The Muppet Christmas Carol is one of my favourite Christmas movies. The song sung by the Ghost of Christmas Present has a great line in the chorus,
It is the season of the spirit.
The message, if we hear it,
Is make it last all year.
Christmas does last all year for those who belong to Jesus!
He has come, and his Spirit is with us until the day he comes again. We can sing about it, and we can tell others.
Rejoice!
Written by Fiona Mowat
A thought to remember: Emmanuel commissions his disciples, and promises his presence.
A bit more to read: Matthew 28, Isaiah 42:6-7
A question to ask: How might Jesus’ presence give you confidence to go and share his Good News?
A song to sing: Noel