Matthew 28:18-20 MSG — Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”

The Great Commission is a decree for you and I. Jesus directs each of us to “train” everyone we meet. We are mandated to take this commission seriously and spread the Good News in all that we say and do. Have you thought about the weight and seriousness of Jesus’ instructions? Are you intentional about ways to make disciples? How are you responding to the call on your life? What impact are you making to those around you?

My prayer is that others will see Christ in me in all that I say and do. Of course I fall short and must be sure to refocus when I stray from God’s calling on my life. Listen to Let Them See You by Colton Dixon to help you refocus on God’s call on your life.

Let’s pray. Dear God, forgive me for times I fail to realize the seriousness of the Great Commission. Help me stay focused and show me ways to make an impact for You. May others see You in me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Matthew 28:18-20 NIV — Then Jesus came to them and said, “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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Place yourself in the shoes of the disciples at the time of today’s featured scripture. A whirlwind of events has just taken place. Jesus was arrested, tortured, crucified and died. Today’s scripture takes place just after the discovery that Jesus’ body was not in the tomb and the claims that He has risen from the dead. I imagine at this point the disciples are in such shock from the rollercoaster of emotions and events that they are just going through the motions trying to put one foot in front of the other. They recalled that Jesus had told them to go to Galilee and so they did. There, Jesus appeared. Imagine their surprise and awe in the moment. Jesus doesn’t make small talk. He cuts to the chase. 

This scripture is called “The Great Commission.” In this passage Jesus gives a directive and a mission for the disciples and for us. You and I are called to make disciples. How have you responded to your commission? How do you make disciples?

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus’ resurrection. Speak to me today about ways You are using me to carry out the Great Commission. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Click the link below to watch today’s YouTube video.

Spend some time reading and meditating on the scriptures below. Compare the two versions. Write down some notes to guide your thoughts this week. Notice similarities and differences in the passages. What do you wonder? What connections do you make and what is your reaction?

Matthew 28 NIV

Matthew 28 MSG

Additional scripture:

1 Peter 2:9 NIV — But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 

@biblegateway

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This week we will examine our impact on others. Listen to Different by Micah Tyler and ask yourself —  How am I making disciples for Christ? How am I being different?

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭29‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Come, he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus

Today I will continue sharing about, “we can’t wash feet when …” We haven’t been literally washing feet, rather sharing in the context of humility, the posture of our hearts, and the call to serve others. In thinking about when Jesus washed His disciples feet, we ourselves can’t wash feet when we are paralyzed in our boats. As most of you know our blog is called Water Walkers so that we can encourage ourselves and others to step out of the boat, wherever God is leading, even if it is something that is out of our comfort zone. Sometimes we are meant to stay in the boat with God. Often we are called to step out. Can you recall a time where you were paralyzed with fear and just couldn’t take that leap of faith? This doesn’t always need to be something grand, like going out of the country on missions. This could be talking to a stranger in the grocery store or inviting someone to church. 

In the song Oceans by Hillsong United, we know that our feet may fail at times. Good news, God never fails us. I encourage you to worship and really think about the lyrics: “Spirit, lead me where my trust is without borders. Let me walk upon the waters, wherever you would lead me. Take me deeper than my feet would wander.”

Where is God calling you to step out today? Maybe you need a little encouraging nudge. As you read today’s key verse and go to God in prayer, ask Him to give you strength and courage. Let’s pray.

Dear Lord, thank You for opportunities to step out of my boat for Your glory. I ask that when You call, I will listen with the strength and courage I need to step out. Here I am Lord, send me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬ — rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

This week I have been sharing about, “we can’t wash feet when …” We haven’t been literally washing feet, rather sharing in the context of humility, the posture of our hearts, and the call to serve others. In thinking about when Jesus washed His disciples feet, we ourselves can’t wash feet when we have an ungrateful heart. Have you ever served and your heart just wasn’t in it? Do you sometimes say yes out of obligation and then regret that decision? I’ve learned the hard way over the years to say, “let me pray about it,” if an immediate yes doesn’t come to mind.

We should be thankful to serve but also keep in mind that not every assignment is ours to say yes to. If your response is, “let me pray about it,” really take time to go to God in prayer. In Colossians we are taught how to be overflowing with thankfulness. As you root yourself with God in His word and prayer, sit and listen. 

Maybe you said yes to something and you’re losing your passion to serve. Intentionally enter your time of serving by imagining you are stepping onto holy ground. In Psalms we are encouraged to enter His gates with thanksgiving. Be encouraged by this word and be thankful to serve.

Are you currently attending church? Maybe you don’t have a church. Deborah and I attend Herbert Memorial United Methodist Church in Georgetown, SC, while Ray attends Pawleys Island Community Church in Pawleys Island, SC. We invite you to join us anytime! Maybe you’ve gotten comfortable watching from home. If you are physically able, I encourage you to attend in person. There is just something about stepping into His house of worship. 

Do you have time in your schedule to serve? Can you make time? I encourage you to ask your Pastor where there is a need to serve. Take time to pray over his response and ask God to lead you. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You that I can attend church in person. I remember how devastating it was during COVID when I could not attend and now sometimes I take it for granted. Forgive me. I surrender all my areas of service and ask that You renew my passion to serve. Show me any area that You would have me to say yes to. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭MSG‬‬ — Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.

1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

If you are just joining us today, this week I have been sharing about, “we can’t wash feet when …” We haven’t been literally washing feet, rather sharing in the context of humility, the posture of our hearts, and the call to serve others. In thinking about when Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, we ourselves can’t wash feet when we are comparing ourselves to others or wishing we had been given different gifts of service. Comparison is the thief of joy. Maybe you wish you look different or talk differently. Maybe you wish God had given you different talents, like photography, technology, writing, speaking, singing, teaching, sewing, or baking?

I like The Message version of our key verse in Galatians. Each of us must take responsibility in doing our creative best with the bodies and the talents we have been given. We shouldn’t boast or look down on ourselves. We shouldn’t compare ourselves to others. I need this as a daily reminder.

In 1 Peter we are taught to be faithful stewards of God’s grace and gifts for His glory. Have you experienced the thief of comparison? Take inventory of your gifts and talents. I encourage you to then write them as your gratitudes for the day. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for making me who I am. You made me wonderfully as You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Help me to be a faithful steward of the gifts and talents you have given me. I thank You for each one. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.