Have you ever been invited to play a game but hesitated, thinking you weren’t good enough or didn’t understand the rules? Maybe you felt like you had better things to do. Well, what if I told you that Jesus is inviting you into the most important “game” of all time? He’s handing over His mission to us, His church, and He believes we can do it. Let’s explore what this means for us as followers of Christ.
The Great Commission: Our Marching Orders
In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gives us what we call the Great Commission. He says:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This passage outlines our mission as Christ’s followers. It’s not just for pastors or missionaries – it’s for all of us. So what exactly is Jesus calling us to do?
1. Invite Everyone to Trust Jesus
The first part of our mission is to invite everyone to trust in Jesus. When Jesus says “all nations,” He’s using the Greek word “ethne,” which refers to every kind of person. This means we’re called to share the Gospel with people from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds.
But let’s be honest – sometimes we look at certain people and think, “There’s no way they’d ever believe in Jesus.” I want to challenge you: Who are those people in your life? Start praying for them. Jesus is the King of the universe, and He can change any heart.
Practical steps:
- Learn the basics of the Gospel so you can share it confidently
- Ask good questions and listen well to others
- Invite friends to church, small groups, or Bible studies
2. Teach Each Other the Ways of Jesus
The second part of our mission is to teach one another to follow Jesus. This isn’t just about head knowledge – it’s about experiential learning. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus says we should be “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Think about learning a new skill, like replacing a part in your toilet. You might watch YouTube videos, but you don’t really know how to do it until you’ve actually done it a few times. It’s the same with following Jesus – we learn by doing, practicing, and helping each other along the way.
This teaching happens in various ways
- Through formal teaching in church services and Bible studies
- By encouraging one another in daily life (Colossians 3:16)
- In small groups where we can share life and pray together
I want to encourage you to start or join a “3×5 group” – three people doing five simple actions together:
- Share your highest high
- Share your lowest low
- Read God’s Word together
- Share what you learned
- Pray for each other
These simple practices can help us grow together in our faith and teach each other the ways of Jesus.
3. Celebrate That Jesus Is Really With Us
Finally, we need to celebrate the incredible truth that Jesus is always with us. He promises in Matthew 28:20, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Do you believe that? It can be hard sometimes, can’t it?
- Jesus tells us in John 16:7 that it’s actually better for us that He left physically and sent the Holy Spirit. Through the Spirit, Jesus is present with us in ways we might not always recognize:
- He speaks to us through Scripture
- He gives us strength to persevere through difficulties
- He produces fruit in our lives – love, joy, peace, patience, and more
We need to encourage each other to trust this truth. When you’re feeling alone or abandoned, remember the cross. Remember that Jesus suffered, died, and rose again for you. That gives us the courage to trust that He really is with us, even when we can’t see or feel Him.
Putting It Into Practice
So how do we live out this Christ-centered mission? Here are some next steps:
- Pray for opportunities to share Jesus with others, especially those you think are unlikely to believe.
- Start or join a small group where you can encourage and teach one another.
- Spend time in God’s Word and prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to make Jesus’ presence real to you.
- Look for ways to celebrate and remind others that Jesus is with us, even in difficult times.
Remember, Jesus has handed His mission over to us – His church. He believes in us, and He promises to be with us every step of the way. Let’s get in the game and join Him in making disciples of all nations.
Follow Jesus With Us!
Looking for a place to follow Jesus alongside real, everyday people? That’s what we’re all about at Grace Bible Church, a welcoming non-denominational church in Killeen, TX. We’re not perfect – just a community of people learning to walk with Jesus one step at a time, supporting each other along the way. Whether you’re searching for a “church near me” in Killeen or feeling drawn to explore faith for the first time, you’ll find authentic relationships and practical Bible teaching that helps connect God’s truth to daily life. As a local church, we believe the journey of faith was never meant to be walked alone. That’s why we focus on creating spaces where genuine friendships can grow, questions are welcomed, and everyone can experience God’s love. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, we’d love to walk alongside you. Come join our family this Sunday at our non-denominational church in Killeen, TX, and let’s follow Jesus together.
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