FollowingJesus.me

“And then he (Jesus) told them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone…’” – Mark 16:15

This verse and its recordings in the other gospels are referred to as The Great Commission.

Jesus, having been recently resurrected from the dead speaks these words to his disciples before he ascends to heaven. He commissions his disciples to continue the ministry he started – preaching the Good News, performing miracles, and inviting people to follow Jesus and accept the life, love, and forgiveness he offers. It is the very commission Jesus gives to his followers today (you and me).

In the church, we often hear Jesus’ commission in the context of evangelism. For many, the sharing of the Good News is reserved for those who do not know or follow Christ, the “lost.” Jesus is always lovingly pursuing those who are far from him and wants them to hear the Gospel. Also, I think there is more here that we are missing. In this verse, Jesus is recorded saying, “…preach the Good News TO EVERYONE.” The sharing of the Gospel is not just for those we think are “lost” but for everyone. Under Jesus’ commission, we should be sharing the Gospel with those who are like us, those who are different from us, those who are close to us, those who are far from us, those in our family and outside our family, those outside our churches and those inside our churches, etc.; everyone.

Showing and proclaiming (words and actions are both needed) the Gospel to strangers seems intimidating to most. So much so that we don’t do it. The good news (pun not intended) is that this is not what Jesus had in mind. The Good News should also be shared with fellow Christ-followers and with yourself.

Sharing the Gospel with yourself is both a great encouragement and faith builder, it is also great practice. Can you imagine if we started the day both sharing and hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ? Imagine what that might do for your faith, your attitude, and your relationship with Jesus!

Jesus started it and the next step belongs to you. You are included in “everyone” and should hear the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ. Start today by sharing that Good News with you.

Prayer:

Jesus, forgive me for my neglect of sharing the Good News about you as I should. Help me to start again by sharing that news with myself, reminding my spirit of who you are and what you have done for me. As I prepare to share, Holy Spirit, give me the words to say. You know what Darrell needs to hear today and what you want to say. Help me to hear you clearly and speak what I hear you saying. Help me to share the Good News first with myself, those close to me, and then with the world around me. We all need to hear your Good News. Thank you, Jesus, and thank you, Holy Spirit! Let’s go!

Thank you, Jesus!