It’s Time to GO! – June 9, 2023

Read: Matthew 28:16-20

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 will be with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:19,20

It’s Time to GO!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Have you ever traveled to a different country? If so, why did you go? Was it for vacation? If not, where do you want to go? Someplace with mountains or a beach? Traveling allows you to see different parts of this beautiful world that God has created. Different sights, sounds, and foods are all things to experience when you are in a country that is not your own. You might think it would be too hard to talk with a person from a different country, but the truth is, you probably have more in common than you think. You both, most likely, have family, friends, community, hobbies, etc.

In our reading today, Jesus tells his disciples to, “Go and makes disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). He was encouraging them to spread the good news about him to all people of the world. This includes people in different countries. But it also includes people around you where you live, even people in our own home! It’s true, you don’t even have to travel far to share the Word of God. How neat is that?

So go! Go where? Go home? Go back to bed? Go on vacation? Jesus said, “If you are going to share with someone that I am the way, the truth, and the life, you have to go to them! Get out of your shell! Get going! Go out of church! Go to someone! Go after that straying friend! Don’t sit still, go somewhere!

Telling others about God’s commands and promises is important but can be a pretty challenging thing to do. So Jesus promised, “surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” He is saying, “Go carry out my orders to make disciples knowing I am with you.” There’s the answer to every fear, doubt, every moment when you are feeling low, discouraged, weak. Jesus gives us the strength and faith to tell others the good news, and we never have to worry about doing his work alone.

Even if you never get to travel to another country, there are missionaries all over the world, spreading the news to people who speak different languages. There are pastors and teachers right here in our country who are teaching the Word of God to people who have maybe never heard of Jesus before stepping into their church or school. But today, Jesus is calling you. So, go! Go near or far. Go and share the good news!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, please give us opportunities to preach your Word. Whether is near or far, help us not be afraid to proclaim the good news of your salvation. Forgive us when we don’t stand up for you and strengthen our faith to be bold in preaching your holy name. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Can you name a different country?
• Who made the world and all of the different people in it?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• If you could visit a different country, which one would it be and why?
• What promise did Jesus give that makes it easier to talk to other people about God?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Research a missionary family in a different country that you would like to know better. Figure out a way that you could encourage and support their important work.
• Discuss a time that you shared the love of Jesus with someone. Then, think of someone by name who you feel really needs some good news about Jesus. Think through some of the details how you would go to them.