Chapter 8: The Great Commission

Jesus had appeared to his disciples multiple times over forty days — in Jerusalem, on the road, on a beach at dawn. Now he directed them to a mountain in Galilee for a final gathering.

When they saw him, most worshipped. However, some standing on a mountain in front of the risen Jesus, some still doubted. Doubt and worship in the same group looking at the same person.

Jesus came toward them and spoke.

JESUS“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and 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 obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”— Matthew 28:19-20

Eleven men, no army, no institution, no political power — commissioned to take a message to the entire world.

Back in Jerusalem Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. Everything written about him in Moses, the prophets and the Psalms had to be fulfilled. The Messiah had to suffer, die, and rise from the dead on the third day. He was showing them the map they had been walking on without knowing it.

He told them they were witnesses of these things. He was going to send what his Father had promised. But first they were to stay in Jerusalem and wait until they were clothed with power from on high.