Anticipating disciples, anticipating baptism…

John Povey June 02, 2026 4 1

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Matthew 28: 16-20 (NIV-UK)

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’

The final directive of Jesus to his disciples before his Ascension into heaven is the Great Commission. The day of parting was turned by Jesus into a day of anticipation.

On that day Jesus made his mission our mission, while promising to be with us always.  Jesus went up; the Holy Spirit came down; and the Church went out.

The mission is to go and make disciples; the method is to baptise and to teach. The goal is not just to make converts, but to make disciples. This means teaching others how to live, love, and treat their neighbours exactly as Jesus did and taught.

Jesus spoke initially to a small group, with little education, money or influence. Some were doubtful, perhaps fearful of persecution or failure. But Jesus understood, and he uses imperfect people to accomplish his mission. So he gave them the reassurance that all authority in heaven and on earth are His, and He was sending them out in His Name.  They obeyed despite their fears, going forward with anticipation and trust.

Now it is our turn. Some may doubt. Some may point to evidence of church decline.  Some may fear being ignored, misunderstood, or considered irrelevant. But all authority still belongs to Jesus; the promise is still for us; and the commission stands for ever. You are never alone in your daily struggles or your acts of service, for Jesus is with you.  Jesus asks us to look forward, to anticipate the outcome of our obedience to him, and to work for the kingdom of God on earth, trusting that the best is yet to come.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to stand with the disciples as they experience a little of your grandeur and magnificence; to stand with them as they hear the gracious calling of the Lord; to stand with them as they receive the promise of Jesus to be with them always; to go out with them in obedience and in anticipation, making disciples and growing your Kingdom.  In Jesus’ Name. Amen.