The Great Commission

Hi, Friend in Christ!

Depending on when you read this newsletter, the timeline described here might be off by a few weeks, days, or hours. As of the publication date, July 1, 2025, twelve weeks have passed since Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday. Sixty-three days have gone by since we gathered around the family dining room table for a traditional Easter dinner. It has been 1,512 hours since we proudly watched our children recite their Easter speeches. Less than a month ago, Christians filled church pews on Pentecost Sunday to hear sermons about the Holy Spirit from the book of Acts. 

Over the fifty days from Holy Week to Pentecost Sunday, we worshipped, sang praise songs, fellowshipped with other believers, and read devotionals. What a glorious, albeit somber, Easter season as we reflected on Jesus’ sacrifice. Despite immersing ourselves in celebrations and God’s Word, we can lose spiritual momentum if we are not intentional.

How many of us left Pentecost service full of the Spirit, only to rush home to watch the game, go to the mall, or grill brats and burgers for our neighbors? Of course, it is perfectly fine to enjoy life and spend time with family and friends. But Jesus knew the world would tempt and encourage us to focus on ourselves and return to our busy lives. After all, Peter went fishing after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection (John 21:3). 

Several disciples joined Peter at the water’s edge to ready their boats and fishing nets. Unbeknownst to them, Jesus’ ministry was continuing through them. They would be responsible for evangelizing the whole world. Both the angel of the Lord and Jesus (Matthew 28:7, 10) told the women to find the disciples and tell them to meet Jesus in Galilee. There on Mount Arbel, the disciples received the Great Commission.  

Matthew 28:16-20, “But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

We can only imagine the range of emotions the disciples experienced being in Jesus’ presence again. Perhaps, they sat in amazement, shock, and awe before finally making sense of the Messiah’s words. “Make disciples of all the nations.” Did they hear correctly? Had He really called them to take on such a great responsibility, given their sinful nature? Thomas dealt with doubt, Peter denied Jesus, Judas betrayed Him, and they all harbored jealousy and envy in their hearts when they asked Jesus who was the greatest among them (Luke 22:24). Yet, these imperfect men were entrusted to share the gospel. There is hope for us yet!

The disciples were obedient and set out to fulfill Jesus’ command. John wrote letters to the churches of Asia Minor and ministered in Ephesus (Revelation 1-3 ). Peter performed miracles in Joppa (Acts 9:40-43). The others traveled to the far corners of the earth, sharing Jesus’ teachings. Despite opposition, hardships, threats, and acts of death, they remained steadfast. Nothing deterred them.

The Great Commission is not just for the eleven; as adopted sons and daughters of Christ, we are called to be stewards of the Word of God by telling others how the resurrection assures us of salvation from sin and grants us eternal life with our Heavenly Father. 

We do not have to travel the world like the disciples to share the teachings of Jesus Christ, but we should consider our role in the Great Commission. Unsure where to start? Seek guidance from the Holy Spirit. Perhaps the Spirit will encourage the women’s ministry team to invite local neighbors to a community Bible study. Include area children in Vacation Bible School activities. Start a community prayer circle. Bibles to incarcerated individuals. The written Word of God equips men for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The Holy Spirit guided me to Christian literature. God blessed me to share the gospel through writing. Monthly, my website followers receive a Christian newsletter in their inbox. Each newsletter is an inspirational reminder to live for Christ.  I have encountered hundreds of women at author events where I invited them to read my Christian memoir, Broken Clay: Finding Renewal in the Potter’s Hands. A powerful story on God’s transformational love. And, coming fall 2025, readers can meditate on a mini devotional I wrote on the importance of trusting God.  

Reflective reading of Christian books, devotionals, blogs, commentaries, and other resources encourages the reader to meditate on the message, pray for guidance, apply godly principles in their lives, and, more importantly, seek Jesus.

Easter is over, now what? How will you answer Jesus’ Great Commission call?

May God keep you and bless you,

Tika