The Way - Day 260 (Matthew 28)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
Matthew 28:1-20
Followers of Christ were still disheartened from His death and were in mourning because they had lost the One whom they loved. In fact, Mary Magdalene and many other women returned to the tomb where Jesus had been buried in order to anoint Him for burial proving that they did not expect Him to come back to life. On the way to the tomb on Sunday morning, Mark records that the women were discussing who would roll away the stone from the tomb (Mark 16:1-3) but as they approached, they saw the stone was rolled away (Mark 16:4). An Angel of the Lord had descended from heaven and rolled away the stone (28:3-4) and told the women not to be afraid because Jesus had risen from the dead (28:5-6). The angel also commanded the women to go "tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him." So, the women quickly left to tell the disciples that they had found an empty tomb and Jesus would meet them in Galilee (28:8). As they were on their way to tell the disciples Jesus appeared to them and they rejoiced and worshipped Him (28:9-10). Jesus later appeared to the eleven disciples in Galilee and they also worshipped Him (28:16-17). Jesus then speaks to His followers and gives was has become known as the Great Commission (28:18-20). He commands believers to "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 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." Jesus left His followers with an incredible task - go and tell all people the truth about Christ! Those who would believe the truth of Christ (His death, burial, and resurrection for our sins) were to be baptized and become devoted followers of His ways. Bringing this into relevance for this generation, followers of Jesus Christ must tell others the truth about Jesus. The truth is that He died on the cross in order to remove the penalty of sin and those who believe in Him will one day be raised to eternal life in heaven; however, while on earth they should live life by His standards. This is a tremendous opportunity! Have you believed the truth about Jesus Christ? Are you telling other the truth about Jesus Christ? Is your life demonstrating the truth Jesus Christ taught?

Dear God, may I tell others the truth about Jesus Christ and consistently demonstrate His love and grace through my life!