Go!
Matthew 28:16–20
There are some weekends when I have absolutely no desire to leave the house. After a long week, staying home sounds perfect. Comfy clothes, my recliner, and maybe a little television with me pretending that the list of things that need to be done around the house doesn’t actually exist.
Most weekends, however, I end up getting up and going anyway. There’s grass that needs to be cut. A project that needs fixing. Groceries that need buying. Errands that need running. Laundry that somehow multiplies overnight. And honestly, the biggest reason I get up and “go” instead of sitting around doing nothing is pretty simple: If I don’t do it… who will?
That thought crossed my mind recently as I read Jesus’ final words in Matthew’s Gospel. After His resurrection, Jesus gathered His disciples and gave them what we often call the Great Commission:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” — Matthew 28:19
Jesus could have chosen any method He wanted to share the good news with the world. He could have written the message in the sky. He could have sent angels to every nation. He could have forced people to believe. Instead, He chose ordinary people. He chose disciples who still had doubts. He chose people who were imperfect, uncertain, and unqualified by the world’s standards. And then He told them to go.
Sometimes I think we treat Jesus’ command as optional, as if “go” is reserved for missionaries, pastors, or especially spiritual people. BUT Jesus gave this command to all His followers. The Church was never meant to simply gather inside buildings once a week. We are called to go into the world carrying the love, grace, and hope of Christ.
And here’s the reality: if we don’t go, who will?
Who will encourage the hurting neighbor?
Who will pray for the struggling friend?
Who will serve the lonely?
Who will share the hope of Jesus with the next generation?
Who will show compassion in a world growing increasingly angry and divided?
Jesus calls us to go because the world desperately needs people willing to move beyond comfort and convenience for the sake of love. The good news is that Jesus never tells us to go alone. Right after giving the command, He gives a promise:
“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20
That promise matters. Because going is not always easy. Sometimes it is inconvenient. Sometimes it stretches us. Sometimes it asks more of us than we planned to give. But Christ goes with us. Maybe today Jesus is nudging you to stop waiting, stop staying comfortable, and start moving toward someone who needs hope, kindness, forgiveness, or love. You do not have to change the whole world overnight. But you can go where God sends you today.
After all, if we don’t… who will?
In God’s grip,
Pastor Chuck Church
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for calling ordinary people to participate in Your mission. Give us courage to go where You lead us, even when comfort tries to hold us back. Help us to love, serve, encourage, and share Your hope with the people around us. Remind us that we never go alone because You are always with us. Amen.
