Sent

Jesus did not gather followers so they could sit still.

Two commands in this part. Both are about being sent, and both start with the same thing. Not our ability. His authority.

32. He Gave Them Authority

Matthew 10:1

Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority.

Authority to cast out evil spirits. Authority to heal every kind of disease and illness.

Look at who these men were. Fishermen. A tax collector. Ordinary men with no training for any of this. They did not work their way up to it. He handed it to them.

The world says: You are not qualified for that.

But God's Word says: The authority is his, and he shares it.

He still does this. He sends people who feel unready, and he goes with them.

33. Go and Make Disciples

Matthew 28:19-20

These are almost the last words Jesus said on earth.

Go and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything he commanded.

Read that last part again. Teach them to obey everything he commanded. That is the whole reason for this study.

Then comes the promise at the end. He is with us always, to the end of the age.

The world says: Keep your beliefs to yourself.

But God's Word says: Go. And know that he goes with you.

Making a disciple is slower than making a convert. It means walking with someone long enough that obedience takes root. Usually one person at a time.

Try this week: Name one person God has put near you. Pray for them by name every day.