The story only began at Easter--it goes on
Daily Scripture
Matthew 28:16-20, Luke 24:46-49
Matthew 28
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 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, 20 teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”
Luke 24
46 He said to them, “This is what is written: the Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and a change of heart and life for the forgiveness of sins must be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 Look, I’m sending to you what my Father promised, but you are to stay in the city until you have been furnished with heavenly power.”
Daily Reflection & Prayer
Jesus made it plain that his resurrection was not the end of his story, but just the beginning of a new chapter in establishing his eternal kingdom. As people who believe Jesus is alive, we don’t just sit idly by and watch God search for others. Jesus’ “marching orders” to his followers were that we be his witnesses, making disciples, baptizing and teaching, actively taking part in God’s work of calling humans back to God. Jesus clarified the Scriptures to his disciples, not for intellectual interest but because he appointed them to share his life-changing forgiveness. “You are witnesses,” he said. God would empower them for their mission. It’s still our mission, and we never pursue it alone—Jesus promised to be with us every day.
- Jesus’ summary of his message in Luke 24:46-47 was “the Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and a change of heart and life for the forgiveness of sins must be preached in his name to all nations.” In what ways does believing that Jesus rose from the dead change your heart and life? How does the resurrection make credible for you Jesus’ claim to have the divine authority to forgive your sins? In what ways are you gifted to help carry out Jesus’ directive? How does Jesus’ command to live out his mission shape your understanding of what it means for Resurrection to be “the church”? Jesus said, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth.” In the first century, that meant that not even the mighty Roman Empire could block him from being with his followers. And no power on earth today has the authority to make Jesus abandon you. How can trusting Jesus is with you give you courage, strength and peace?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, amazingly, challengingly, wonderfully, I get to be a part of your strategic plan to reach the world. Grow me into a person who joyfully lives my role in carrying out your marching orders. Amen.
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Olivia Mastenbrook
Olivia Mastenbrook is a student at Blue Valley Northwest High School. She enjoys serving in both Resurrection Students and Resurrection Kids.
Jesus’ everlasting love and forgiveness of our sins was proven by his resurrection. That love and forgiveness are life changing. As followers of Christ, we are called to act as his witnesses, making disciples, baptizing and teaching, actively participating in God’s work of calling humans back to him. It is our job to find a way to exhibit these “marching orders” in a way that allows our personal relationship with God to grow.
Personally, I have found my connection through serving. While it may seem small, to me it means much more. Without my mentors throughout my faith journey, I would not be where I am today. It is through their encouragement, love, and compassion that I have felt able to strengthen my relationship with God. I now continue to do the same for others.
