Go forth and tell…

Jane Denniston October 13, 2024 5 4

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Matthew 28: 16-20 (NRSVA)

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

This is such a well known passage, and it is so rich in imagery: the familiar mountain where they had heard Jesus speak so many times, the presence of Jesus with all that that meant — the death of despair, the birth of hope, and now… what now? The eleven disciples — that rich mix of personality, character, and skills — and faith and doubt — how like us! His last words to them, hanging in the air after his ascension: an affirmation, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me’. A command, ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…’. And finally, those supreme words of comfort, ‘And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

What do those words mean to you? Can you imagine, standing there with the disciples on that final day, Jesus speaking as if to you, ‘Go… and remember… !’ What colours do you see? What scents do you smell? What sounds perform a backdrop to this momentous event? And what do Jesus’ words mean to you? ‘I am with you always!’

When we carry the good news of Jesus out to the world, do we carry this scene with us; that moment when Jesus gives us a task but also equips us with his presence. Do we remember that he is with us always?

Prayer:

Jesus, our brother,

what a comfort and privilege it is to know

that you are with us always.

And, to the end of time!

So not just with us

but with all whom we love, 

and all whom they love

and more, and more…

Thank you for the gift of your presence

on the mountain top

and in the valley.

In faith

and in doubt.

Today

and tomorrow

and a lifetime of tomorrows … Amen