Ready, Set, Go!

Matthew 28:16 – 20  Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in 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.”

Some doubted? Some doubted? You’ve got to be kidding me. After all that had happened, after Jesus had fulfilled his promise of dying and then living again, after he had come back from death to spend time with them – how on earth could they doubt?

But then, I might have done the same thing. They may have doubted whether or not Jesus was really alive. Or, they may have doubted themselves, and their abilities to carry on His work. Jesus’ last words to his disciples remind me a bit of a coach, giving his players a pep talk before the big game. The coach has prepared his team, and they have worked hard. But in those moments before the game, they get a little nervous. Can we do this? That other team is pretty tough. And I’m not sure we’re ready. Some members of the team may have doubts, just before game time.

But the coach builds up his team. He says, “You can do this. I have trained you, and I’ve taught you everything you need to know. Now, go do what I’ve taught you to do!”

Jesus’ disciples had a case of the pre-game jitters. They doubted themselves. Their coach was leaving, and they weren’t sure they were up to the task. That’s why Jesus gave them a pep talk.

He said, “I rule over heaven and earth, and you go forth on my authority. Don’t be afraid; you can do this! I have taught you all you need to know, and when I leave, I’ll send my Holy Spirit to be with you. You will never be alone. Now, go do what I have taught you to do!”

That little pep talk extends beyond the men on the mountain that day. Those words were meant for every believer. We are to go and tell others, making disciples of every nation. For some of us, that means going to other countries, but for most of us, it simply means going next door. We are to tell the world of God’s goodness. And sure, it’s a little scary. But God has given us everything we need. And His Holy Spirit is with us every step of the way. We will never be alone.

So, team, are you ready? Set? Go!