Discipleship
Today’s Bible Verse:
Matthew 28:19 ESV
(Jesus said) “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"
Building on yesterday’s quick look at Matthew 28:18, we move to verse 19 and the Great Commission. The risen Christ speaks these words. They are not a suggestion but a command, a sending forth of all believers into the world. At the heart of our Christian faith, this verse presents us with a profound truth and an immense responsibility.
First, this verse emphasizes the Trinity. We are baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is not just a formula but a confession of our faith in the one true God who exists in three persons. Through baptism, we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is the foundation of our Christian life.
The command to "go and make disciples of all nations" is a universal call. It transcends all boundaries of race, ethnicity, and culture. The Gospel is for everyone; we are called to share it with the world. This does not necessarily mean we all need to become foreign missionaries. It means we are to witness Christ in our everyday lives, homes, workplaces, and communities.
Making disciples is more than just converting people. It is about helping them grow in their faith and become followers of Christ. This involves teaching, mentoring, and guiding them in their walk with God. It is a lifelong process of learning and growing in grace.
In Matthew 28:20, Jesus adds, "...and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This precious promise should encourage and strengthen us. We are not alone in this task. Christ Himself is with us, empowering us through His Spirit.
Prayers
Remember:
Florida as they begin to recover from Hurricane Milton.
The people of the southeast who are dealing with the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.
All people dealing with cancer
Those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
A Prayer for Today:
Loving Father, thank you for the Great Commission and the promise of your presence. Empower me by your Spirit to be a faithful witness to your love and grace. Help me share the Gospel with those around me and make disciples for your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
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