The Great Commissioner

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

When Jesus called Peter to be His disciple, He knew Peter was going to deny Him. It didn’t stop Him, though. Jesus knew Peter could be used for the Glory of God and build His kingdom. He knew Peter could use what he’d been through as an effective tool in his ministry to bring others to the cross.

When He gave us the great commission, He knew who He was giving it to. He gave it to the addict who everyone has given up on. He gave it to the lonely mom with no husband. He gave it to the broken and abused. He gave it to the crushed in spirit. He gave it to those who mourn. He gave it to all of us. He gave it to a bunch of broken people who can overcome through His blood.

Jesus knew He was giving a bunch of broken people authority through the power of The Holy Spirit to build His kingdom. Jesus had just experienced the ultimate brokenness. He knew what it was like. He’s ready to use a bunch of broken people any way we are willing to be used. In fact, He can use our brokenness more than before brokenness occurred.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20