Matthew
28:16–20—Before His ascension to the
right hand of His Father, Jesus charged His disciples with the task of making
disciples of all nations. What are the tools which He has given to accomplish this
task? His teaching and the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, Baptism in the Name of
the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Which parts of His Word are
important? Which of His Words are they to pass down faithfully? Teaching them
to observe all that I have commanded you. Finally, He promises always to be
with us—and so He is, in Word and Sacrament, the means of grace.
“Jesus came
to them and said, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” –v.18 This
authority comes from the Savior Himself. It was given to Him by the Father.
Jesus who lives and rules over heaven and earth has been given authority by His
Father. But His authority we go out into the world. We do not go it alone. He
leads, we follow. We speak and move and
act under His authority.
Christ commissions His disciples to go and make
disciples of all nations through Baptism and teaching. Christ promises to be
with us, and He is the one who makes disciples through our baptizing and
teaching. Today, remember your Baptism and confirmation in the faith which are
precious blessings for the Lord’s disciples. His love and care are new for you
every morning.
Send us, Lord, to make disciples in Your name in
accordance with our calling in life.
Collect for
grace: Almighty God, heavenly Father, Your mercies are new to us every morning
and, though we in no wise deserve Your goodness, You abundantly provide for all
our wants of body and soul. Give us, we humbly pray, Your Holy Spirit that we
may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness toward us, give thanks for all
Your benefits, and cheerfully serve You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
forever.
Image of the Trinity, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher
Things
Collect for grace, Lutheran Service Book © 2006
Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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