Jesus, at his ascension, did not leave the disciples with nothing to do. Instead, Jesus instructs them to go out to all nations, not only to convert and teach them but also to bear witness to God’s love.
This text in Matthew’s Gospel is often referred to as the Great Commission. It certainly is very
challenging. I must admit, even though I love God and want to follow closely what God asks of me, I feel a little like the rich young man when I hear this verse. “When the young man heard this, he went away sad” (Matthew 19:22). It seems like an enormous ask. I can’t just leave everything and go out into the world to evangelise, convert, teach, and witness.
And I don’t think that this is what Jesus is
asking from all of us. Yes, many are called to mission work in other countries, to openly evangelise and baptise, and that is amazing. However, I’m wondering whether we can understand this mission differently.
For me, it is about how I show up every day. I hear God’s invitation to be open to encountering everyone with love and dignity, no matter where they come from, what they profess and how they choose to live. It
is so easy to judge and condemn, but how can I accept and love?
Do I live in a way that reflects God’s love? Am I truly a Christ-follower in the way I interact with those I encounter, or do I just pay lip service to the fact that I am a Christian, but you wouldn’t know it from my behaviour? The mission for me is about identity, about who I am. Through my presence, I try to be a person of love, reflecting
God's love.
How do I feel as I read the words of the great commission from Matthew? Be honest with yourself.
How am I called to live this in my life?
