And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

~Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV

When Jesus spoke to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20, He authorized, commissioned, and equipped them–providing all they needed to begin their ministry.

Jesus did not send His followers out unprepared. He readied them for the mission before He gave the assignment. They had been with Him for three years and watched as He ministered to people. He was their teacher and He wanted them to follow His example. In doing so they walked in His authority.

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

~Acts 1:8 NKJV

What Jesus gave His disciples is available to us as well. We have His authority, we are commissioned, and the Holy Spirit lives in us–empowering us to accomplish our assignment.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus instructed the disciples to start in Jerusalem, a familiar place. But they were not to remain there. They were to go to the nations. The same holds true for us. We should start where we are, speaking to all whom God puts in our path–a grocery store clerk or a family member we have been praying for.

Have you ever felt God tugging at your heart to do something for Him? Something out of your comfort zone? It could be to speak a word of encouragement or pray for someone you do not know. 

Are you willing to walk in the authority and power that Jesus provided? How will you respond to the tug on your heart?

Heavenly Father, help me to respond to the call to make disciples with the assurance that everything I need will be provided. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Genre: non-fiction

Copyright 2022: Authorized, Commissioned, and Equipped: Glenda Shouse: All Rights Reserved