As I was reading through the different accounts of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances, I focused on what He specifically said to the disciples. I thought these might be some of the lasting impressions He might have wanted to leave with the disciples. Some of the things He said included:
- Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.
- Receive the Holy Spirit.
- If you forgive anyone his sin, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven. (John 20:21-23, above quotes) – This is related to the proclamation of the gospel in that “those who proclaim the gospel are in effect forgiving or not forgiving sins, depending on whether the hearers accept or reject Jesus Christ” (NIV Study BIble).
- Feed my lambs.
- Take care of my sheep.
- Feed my sheep. (John 21:16-17, to Peter, incl. two previous statements)
- This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. (Luke 24:46-48)
- All authority on heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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. (Matt. 28:18-20, also preceding statement)
- For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:5)
- But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
As I read through Jesus’ words, they can be lumped into several categories.
- Spread the gospel – make disciples.
- Take care of your people.
- Receive the Holy Spirit. (This one relating more to the day of Pentecost and the first receipt of the Holy Spirit.)
- I am with you always.
In a nutshell, the commission the disciples received was to proclaim the gospel, and as people were enfolded into the church, they were to care for them. They were not to worry about trying to accomplish the work because God would give them the Holy Spirit for strength and power, and God would always be with them no matter how hard things might get. There were two imperatives given: share and care. The other two were en-“courage”-ments: that the Holy Spirit would work through them and that Jesus would always be present with them (which in a sense are the same things).
While the commission was given to the disciples, the commission still exists today. It is encouraging to know that as we carry out the commission, God still works through weak vessels indwelled by the Holy Spirit, and that God is still present with us to oversee and sovereignly appoint His work through our faith. If you’ve ever felt as though caring for God’s people might be too difficult, or if sharing the gospel might be too challenging for you, just remember who’s really doing the work.