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The Risen Lord Sends the Disciples into the World

Matthew 28:16-20 (The Message): 16-17 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.  18-20 Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”

After the Resurrection, at first, only Thomas had declared Jesus as God. The other guys were getting there, and as good Jews some hadn’t made that leap that Jesus was God in the flesh. Indeed, they had just gotten to a different realization of the Messiah, not as a conqueror of empires, but as the Prince of Peace. When these disciples met Jesus in Galilee, they were not doubting the Resurrection, nor Jesus being real in the flesh. Translators have struggled with the interpretation of the ancient Greek word “distazo”, a form of the word for “doubt”, but agree that when used, does not mean non-belief, but more like “this is too good to be true”, an amazement and a reluctance to jump all in.

The disciples, although faithful, and Spirit-filled had not been to Pentecost yet and seen the Holy Spirit work. They did get there, and everyone there soon declared Jesus as Lord and God, for the rest of their lives and beyond, but on this mountain their journey was just beginning. The cool thing is that it did not bother Jesus, one bit. He was undeterred, and met them right where they were, giving them the Great Commission anyway. He also promised to be with them, and us, every step of the way.  So what does this have to do with us, you and me? Is there any reluctance on your part to be “all in”, any questions of faith that you carry around that hinders you from making everything in your life subject to the Lordship of Jesus Christ ? Is there anything you haven’t let Him be God over ? (He is anyway, but He wants you to figure that out.)

As I write this, many things in my life come to mind. Nonetheless, I find that Jesus is “undeterred” with my level of faith as well. He still loves me, still walks with me and still gently leads me (when I am willing, although I am finding out that He leads me even when I am going the wrong way). He still gives me things to do, He still brings people into my life to be ministered to and to minister to me. His love is always, always, always undeterred by me or anything else. (Romans 8:38-39.)

Peace,

Phil Parsons