Reflecting on Authority & Mission: Embracing Christ's Mandate

Hey Guys,

Yesterday, we explored the profound words of Jesus in Matthew 28:16-20, where He left His disciples—and us—with both a calling and a promise. In our message, "Authority and Mission: Embracing Christ’s Mandate," we broke down this foundational passage, looking at three key elements: Christ’s Authority, Our Assignment, and Our Assurance. As we reflect on what we learned together, let’s remember how these truths apply to our everyday lives and our mission as a church family.

Christ’s Authority: A Firm Foundation for Our Faith

We began by focusing on Jesus’ declaration, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18). This powerful statement reminds us that our lives and our mission are rooted in His supreme authority. No matter what obstacles we face or how uncertain our world may feel, we can find strength in knowing that our Savior reigns above all.

In our day-to-day struggles, we often carry burdens of doubt and insecurity. But Jesus’ authority should reshape our perspective, reminding us that we are under His guidance, not our own. He is our King, sovereign over every part of our lives. Because of His authority, we can step forward in confidence, even when we feel weak.

Our Assignment: Go, Make Disciples, Baptize, and Teach

Jesus’ commission to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) might seem overwhelming at first glance. We unpacked what it means to engage in this calling, and hopefully, you came away with a sense that it’s not only achievable but also essential. Our mission is to reach others with the love of Christ, to invest in discipleship, and to help others grow in faith.

Whether that means sharing our faith at work, praying for our community, or inviting others to church, every step of obedience brings us closer to fulfilling Jesus’ commission. We don’t need to travel to the ends of the earth to live out this call—our homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods are our mission fields.

As we continue to embrace this assignment, let’s remember that each of us has a role to play. Our impact might start small, but with Christ’s guidance, it can ripple outward, transforming lives one relationship at a time.

Our Assurance: The Comfort of Christ’s Presence

The final words of Jesus in this passage, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20), bring a powerful sense of comfort. This promise of His presence is not only for His disciples in the first century but for each of us today. As we face challenges in life and in our mission, His constant presence reminds us that we are never alone.

We learned that this assurance enables us to step forward without fear. His presence strengthens us when we are weak, emboldens us when we are timid, and comforts us in our doubts. Jesus’ promise is an anchor that holds us firm, even when the journey becomes difficult.

Where Do We Go from Here?

As we go forward, let’s carry these truths with us. Jesus has called each of us to embrace His mission with the confidence that He reigns with authority and that He is with us every step of the way. This is a message not just to remember but to act upon.

So, how can you respond this week? Start with prayer—ask God to open your heart to opportunities to share the gospel with those around you. Consider joining or leading a small group, inviting someone to church, or looking for ways to serve in your community. Every step of obedience, no matter how small, brings us closer to fulfilling the Great Commission.

Let’s continue to pray that God will deepen our faith and broaden our reach as a church family. May we live out the message of "Authority and Mission," taking Christ’s mandate to heart and impacting the world around us, one life at a time.

Thank you for joining us in worship this Sunday! Let’s keep going together, with confidence in Christ’s authority and assurance in His presence.

Serving Him,

Bro. Joey