In Matthew 28:19-20 we’re told: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
At the end of Matthew here, Jesus imparts a profound commission to His disciples, one that continues to echo through the ages and calls us into a life of unwavering devotion. In these verses, we find not only the great mission of the church but also a deep and abiding truth about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
Verse 20 begins with a challenging call: “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Here, Jesus lays the foundation of discipleship—obedience. Being a disciple is not just about following Jesus in word or belief, it’s about following Him in every aspect of our lives. It’s about embracing His teachings, His life, and His commands.
Obedience is a concept that is often misunderstood in our modern world. It’s not about conformity or legalism. Instead, it’s a response rooted in love, trust, and reverence for our Lord. John 14:15 reminds us that if we love Him, we’ll obey His commands. When we obey Jesus, we align our will with His, acknowledging His wisdom, authority, and sovereignty over our lives. Obedience is the act of willingly submitting ourselves to His divine purpose, believing that His ways are higher than our ways.
In the preceding verse here in Matthew, Jesus commissions His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This great commission underscores the mission of the Church to reach the lost and introduce them to the life-transforming power of Christ. But it doesn’t end with baptism; it begins with it. The true essence of discipleship is seen in the continuous journey of teaching new believers to obey everything Jesus has commanded.
As disciples, we are called to be obedient to Jesus, which encompasses love, forgiveness, compassion, humility, and a host of other powerful virtues. These teachings provide us with a roadmap for living a life that reflects God’s character and purposes. When we obey these commands, we become living testimonies of His love and grace to a watching world.
Obedience is rarely easy. The truth is we all face trials, temptations, and circumstances that challenge our commitment to obey Jesus. However, in the midst of these challenges, we find the promise of Jesus: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” He assures us that His presence and guidance will be our strength as we walk in obedience.
Being a disciple of Jesus means embarking on a lifelong journey of learning, growing, and obeying. It means embracing His teachings as the standard for our lives, trusting in His presence even when the path is difficult, and sharing His love with the world. So, let us be obedient disciples—teaching others to obey as well—for in obedience, we find the fullness of life and the presence of our Lord until the very end of the age.
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