The great commission directs believers in every age, but when seen also as doctrine, its full richness springs into view, including the Trinity in salvation, the authority of the Word over reason and experience, the true nature of Christian liberty, and the Lord’s presence.
It is remarkable how the Lord shaped and fashioned his disciples.
All his instruction to them, all his correction of them, every intervention in their lives, everything he showed them was out of love for them. And he did not stop loving them, not to the very end, and of course, beyond. And then, in his resurrection appearances, he appeared to them, and dealt with them in the same familiar, kindly manner that he had before his crucifixion on Calvary’s Cross.
Even in his own time of trial, He made sure that his disciples were safe. He made provision for them. He made sure they were not arrested with them. He loved them to the end of his earthly life. And all his instruction and correction was in the light of that intense love.
Here are lessons for us as ordinary believers – for we are all disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour and our Example.
Related Resources
When God Commissions
Many Bible-believing Christians, sadly, do not seem to have realised that each one has a personal commission. They think of themselves in a very humble way as recipients of the grace of God, but not as having received a special call to the service of Christ.
Jesus, commissioned from above
Hymn 436 from our hymn book, Psalms & Hymns of Reformed Worship. JESUS, commissioned from above, Descends to us below, And shows from Whom the springs of love In endless mercy flow. He, Whom the boundless Heaven adores, Whom angels long to see, Departed from those blissful shores, Ambassador to me! To me, who never … Continued
Paul’s Final Commission
We are ‘present’ at Paul’s last briefing of Timothy, a key minister, who receives a solemn charge for his life’s work. And yet these words apply to all truly committed believers, for all witness, and uphold the ministry. Here are the ten vital commands.
Paul’s Commission and Ours
Paul tells how God dealt directly with him, revealing the Gospel of faith – not works – and making him an apostle. His stand for truth (then against ‘Judaizers’) must be copied today. Here, also, is what it means to have Christ revealed in us.