The Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20 has two parts. Christ Jesus our LORD has His part – He has ALL Authority to exercise on our behalf, and He promises that no matter what, He will be with us Always. We are never alone. (Yesterday’s Devotion)
But there is another part that belongs to us. “Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” [NLT]
We have received a commission as part of the Body of Christ. We are to (1) go, (2) make disciples of all the nations, (3) baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, and (4) teach the new disciples to obey all the commands Christ Jeseus gave us.
No one can do all those things individually. They are a “Body of Christ” effort. We have all been given gifts, motivations, callings, and vision. Our part is to first recognize those, and then put them into action alongside others who are doing the same thing. Some of us go, and some enable others to go. All of us are to make disciples (some plant, some water, and others harvest). We are also called to baptize and teach. To bring new ones into the body of Christ and mentor them to discipleship.
If, as part of the Body of Christ, we fail to do our part, everyone struggles. The Body only works when the individual parts do what they are called and anointed to do.