I am really enjoying the challenge of taking one of the passages listed in the monthly daily Bible readings and turning them into a devotion for the week. I looked at the offerings for today, August 2nd. Our choices were Psalm 75 or 76 and Matthew 28:11-20. First of all the two Psalm options are a little dark. Second why wouldn’t I choose the Matthew passage. It will give me an opportunity to remind us of our United Methodist mission statement!

Let’s dig in! Our passage today reflects the final moments of Jesus in Matthew’s gospel. We’ve already experienced the crucifixion, burial, and the glorious resurrection. In addition to offering us the Great Commandment, this passage also offers two very different responses to the resurrection.

We have the reaction of the Jewish leaders. While they may have some doubts, they also believe in the possibility that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead. So how do the respond to this possibility? They pay the ones that were guarding Jesus’ tomb to hide the truth.

The Jewish leaders respond with both fear and deception.  They know something powerful has happened and what do they choose? Damage control over repentance. Hear their words to the guards in vs. 13 & 14, “You must say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” Not only do the Jewish leaders respond in fear, but they provoke the guards to fear consequences of this now empty tomb. Prompting them to fear the likelihood that their punishment would be death.  

From the reaction of the Jewish leaders, we learn that evidence alone does not soften a heart. It takes humility and courage to receive the truth. It takes grace to follow where the truth leads.

What about the disciples? Jesus sent them to proclaim the news of the resurrection. They are called into worship, obedience, and witness. Not out of fear but out of awe, wonder, and faith.

And when the disciples see Jesus, they worship Him, but they also have doubts. Jesus is not about to wait for perfect confidence before setting their tasks before them. He meets unsure disciples with a sure word: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Our obedience does not rest on the strength of our feelings, but on the authority of our risen Lord.

What follows is a clear mandate: make disciples. The time is over for private admiration. It’s time for the disciples to help others know, follow, and obey Jesus.

This mission asks for this message to reach “all nations.” But as for the disciples so it begins the same way for us. Wherever we are—with our family, neighbors, coworkers, church, and community. When we go, lets remember that we go with Jesus’ authority to teach His words, baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and trust His promise: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Now Go Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World!