Thursday, April 2, 2015

Walking Towards Easter, Day Twelve

Matthew 28:16-20
The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Oh, the relief and joy the disciples must have felt at seeing Jesus alive, at being able to touch him, to fall face down and worship him.

Oh, the sweet forgiveness of Peter, for while Judas is not included here, we see the other "11 disciples" were.

"And some doubted." This bothered me so I researched the original Greek and the original word indicates "hesitation," the kind of hesitation a person experiences when in a new situation.

And then Jesus tells them to go everywhere, teaching everyone to do "what I have commanded you." I'm thinking of what we see Jesus doing and saying in the time he spent with his disciples. It is not a teaching of rules. It is a teaching of the heart. Love each other, care for each other, open up space for dignity for every person. And in all of this, point the way to a loving God. A God who gave it all up for me. For you. For freedom. He is risen, indeed.

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