Connected in The Word 2-5-26
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, GO MAKE DISCIPLES of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus gives His disciples clear instructions: GO MAKE DISCIPLES! We give and get clear “GO” instructions all the time in life. GO to the store and buy some milk. GO to the post office and drop this off. Sometimes the “GO” instructions are imperatives to physically leave the place we are at and GO somewhere else. But sometimes the “GO” instructions of life can be understood more along the lines of “AS YOU GO”. Get some milk when you GO to the store. Get some stamps when you GO to the post office. The imperative is focused more on what you are to do “AS YOU GO”. In the verses above I think Jesus is giving both kinds of “GO” instructions.
Jesus most definitely wants His disciples to GO into all the world to MAKE DISCIPLES using His Gifts of Baptism and Teaching (The Word). But He also wants His disciples to MAKE DISCIPLES using His Gifts of Baptism and Teaching (The Word) AS THEY GO! It may not seem like much to the casual reader of the Bible, but I think it is important to read it both ways. Does God want His ambassadors to GO into the world to MAKE DISCIPLES? YES! Does God want His ambassadors MAKE DISCIPLES AS THEY GO about loving others, caring for creation, and fulfilling their other vocations in life? YES!
Whether God has called you to GO make disciples, or to make disciples AS YOU GO, please don’t forget what I think is the most important part of the instruction. By the power of the Spirit working through The Word – Jesus goes with you, because He is the One MAKING DISCIPLES.
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