Ken and I met a very excited group of young adults in June of this year. One of the leaders of the group, asked us to consider leading a prayer tent at the Together 2018 event, which would be held at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth on October 20th and 21st. We began to pray, seeking God’s direction. In that same week, another person reached out to us again about it. After praying about it, the Great Commission came to our mind, because the Together event will equip, train and encourage young leaders to boldly share the Gospel.
What did Jesus say to His disciples and what is He saying to us now? Let’s look at it!
1. THE GREAT COMMISSION FOR ALL
But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NASB
This must have confused the disciples. After all, they had walked with and followed Jesus for 3 years, but then He was crucified. Where was it safe for the disciples to go? Hiding seemed like a good idea, but this still allowed doubts to grow about Jesus, their beloved teacher. Where was He now? They had depended upon Him so much.
Then, Jesus arose on the third day! He did predict that before, and now it really was true! In one of His many appearances, He showed the scars of the nail holes and the hole in His side. Their beloved teacher was back!
Upon hearing from the guards that Jesus’ body was gone, the chief priests immediately baked up a conspiracy theory to counteract Jesus’ resurrection. They lied and said the disciples stole the body. Well, the disciples either had to run or face the chief priests. Neither of the two scenarios held promise.
Finding the courage to go, baptize and teach with the authority of Jesus was not going to be very easy. Wait! Jesus said something else.
2. PROMISE OF HELPER
And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high. Luke 24:49 NASB
This was the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost; their encouragement. They would not be alone. Jesus would be always with them. His life, death and resurrection had bridged the gap between them and a perfect Father, and now connected them with the Holy Spirit.
Before He was arrested, Jesus had interceded for the disciples in prayer.
3. PRAYER FOR DISCIPLES BEFORE ARREST
I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. John 17:14-15 NASB
4. JESUS SENDING DISCIPLES
As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. John 17:18 NASB
Looking back, the disciples began to remember what Jesus said, and so many truths came back to them! When the Holy Spirit came upon them, these fearful men changed. After coming out of hiding, these men shared Jesus and the Gospel with a new purpose.
What is Jesus saying to all of us? Where do we go with this challenge of sharing the Gospel? For years, the Great Commission from Matthew 28:19-20 has burdened all Christians to share the Good News with the lost. A starting point is to remember that we are not alone in this huge endeavor, and neither were the disciples. Jesus prayed and prepared them for life after His ascension.
Are your children prepared to live the Christian life? Are they confident and bold enough to share the Gospel to the lost. As parents we constantly need to equip and pray for our children. Preparing them for the future is so important. Read Proverbs 22:6.
This Saturday and Sunday, October 20th and 21st is a great opportunity to equip our children. They will hear from great speakers, and see the body of Christ put down their differences in community worship at the Together 2018 event. This free event will be held at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. If you go, stop by Prayer Tent # 2 to say hello.
Find out more about the Together 2018 on their website by clicking here.
