Reflecting…
Some time back, when we would go camping, we didn’t bring video games or a TV. We did what we called, “entertaining ourselves.” That meant a lot of games and conversations. I soon discovered how limited I am in most trivial pursuit categories.
Here’s an easy one in the Bible category: Question: What is the Great Commission? Answer: Jesus’ words as recorded in Matthew 28: 18-20, “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.’"
Like many bible verses, these are easier recited than put into practice. Before Jesus speaks these now-famous words, Matthew comments on the group who are standing there hearing them for the first time. They have been following Jesus, obeying his directives, worshipping him as the Messiah of God. Still verses 16 and 17 close with a troubling phrase: When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. They are not 100 percent convinced. In effect they are ‘followers, but…’
So what is the problem? Why the doubts? What are they doubting? They’ve been there for all the proof. Jesus has performed miracles, blessed and multiplied everything from a net-breaking catch of fish to a lunch of fish and bread. He has calmed storms, halted stonings, listened to sinners, touched and healed the diseased and unclean, ate with embezzlers and other sinners as well as arrogant leaders. He made time to bless children, to read people’s motives, always challenging whatever people substituted for a relationship with the living God. All that and so much more.
When he speaks here, he starts by claiming authority. Can that be the sticking point? What they are doubting? Outsiders have often questioned by what authority Jesus did these things. The deeper question, the very personal question is whether or not they are willing to let him take that authoritative role in their own lives.
Surprisingly, Jesus speaks to these “followers-but” as if they were “followers, therefore…” He says, ‘I have authority, therefore, go.’
You can’t really argue with “go.” It’s not like Jesus’ sometimes-confusing parables. Not a matter of opinion or deliberation. Not even a matter of timing or spiritual gifts. Just “go.”
It is mandatory for those who accept the authority of Jesus Christ in their lives to “go” in the way Jesus will describe in his next breath. Go everywhere, go to make disciples, go to baptize, go to teach. Because, make no mistake, whether or not we are campers, each of us necessarily falls into one camp or the other. Jesus goes with us toward a future that is lively, engaged with others and primed for adventure.
The follow-through question for us is whether we ourselves are ‘followers-but’ or ‘followers-therefore.’
(Now you probably can see why I don’t do well with trivia pursuit answers!)
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Shirley
