7 day plan

Taking the Gospel to Many Nations

Day 2 of 7

NIV

Matthew 28:18-20

18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Reflection

We are reluctant to go against the tide, and we don’t want to be perceived as mere followers of trends. However, at times, that’s precisely what we find ourselves doing.

Living in a country that promotes multiculturalism as one of its strengths, we desire to champion this value as well. Yet, we must consider how we go about it. Are we genuinely committed to bringing the message of Christ to many nations, or are we merely conforming to popular trends?

When Jesus Christ preached his Good News, he initially addressed his fellow Jews but also extended his reach to those outside the Jewish community. He commended the faith of a Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5–13) and a Syrophoenician woman (Matthew 15:21–28). Additionally, when he healed the 10 lepers, the one individual who returned to express gratitude was a Samaritan, and Jesus commended his faith (Luke 17:11–19). Following his resurrection, the Lord Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” instructing his disciples, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:18–19).

Let us heed the Great Commandment from Jesus Christ and embrace the call to share his message with all nations.

Prayer

Lord, may your word go forth with clarity and conviction, breaking down barriers and softening hearts. We entrust those who have not yet heard into your loving hands, believing in your sovereign plan to draw all people unto yourself.

Days

Matthew 28:1-20

Jesus Has Risen

1After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

2There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

8So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

The Guards’ Report

11While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

The Great Commission

16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”