“I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
What do you do when you just can’t fix something–like a world where disasters feel like they’re coming faster than ever?
Jesus gives His followers a mission in crisis. What is it? Is it to fix the world’s problems? Establish world peace? Cluster away with people who think like we do? Thankfully, Jesus didn’t ask us to do any of those things. But He did give an important mission to His followers just before returning to heaven. He said tell everyone everywhere the news about Him. We call this news the gospel, and it changes everything.
Here are His words: “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).
Jesus said that the gospel must be communicated to the whole world before He returns. Then, He and He alone, will restore the earth, making the wrong things right. When we do acts of mercy and justice now, it points to the future. Still, nothing can fully restore, redeem, and reconcile all that is wrong, except for Jesus’s future rule on earth!
Though we’re experiencing trials and are surrounded by suffering, there is more than this life! Jesus-followers have an eternal perspective. Our mission, all the more in times of crisis, is to share the news about His personal love for all, and to invite others into His unshakeable Kingdom. Redemption and restoration is coming!
