teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:20 WEB

This is the final verse of Matthew’s gospel. It is the second verse of the great commission in which the resurrected Christ commands his disciples to spread the good news of salvation worldwide. In Matthew 28:19 we read the other half of Jesus command as he said, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, WEB”

After commanding his closest followers to evangelize the world, Jesus mentions “teaching them.” Specifically, the Lord commands teaching them to obey all of his commandments. He then encourages the eleven men present, promising to be with them always. These words highlight Jesus’ authority as the Son of God. They refer to scripture from Deuteronomy 31:6 which says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. NIV”  

Love the Lord

The original disciples of Christ obediently preached the gospel of salvation from sin and eternal life through faith in Christ by the grace of God. As they made new disciples, they followed Christ’s command, teaching them to observe the commandments of God and Christ. These commands are easily found in the word of God. 

When asked to identify the most important commandment, Jesus answered with scripture from Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18. The Lord said in Matthew 22:37, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. A second likewise is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments. WEB”

Yesterday’s Devotional: An Angel of the Lord