Matthew 28:8-16-20

As we return to our journey through Matthew’s Gospel, find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.

Today we come to the end of Matthew’s Gospel. Read Matthew 28:16-20 as if you had never heard these words before.

The angel told Mary Magdalene and the other Mary that they would see Jesus in Galilee, and now on a mountain overlooking the same sea he stilled with a word, the risen Jesus welcomes his disciples. The eleven male disciples, not having the benefit of the experiences of the women, are freshly processing the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and they are filled with conflicting emotions. They cannot help but worship him, but at the same time they cannot quite move beyond their doubts. Jesus welcomes them just as they are.

Take a moment and try to imagine yourself as one of the eleven disciples who are encountering the risen Jesus for the first time. Does the idea of worship mixed with doubt resonate with your own experience of following Jesus? Talk to him about this.

Read Matthew 28:16-20 again as if you were there and Jesus was speaking these words to you along with the other disciples.

From the beginning of God’s epic story of creation, loss and redemption, God placed humans in the world and told them to “go!” and spread the glory of God to the ends of the earth (Genesis 1:28). But time and time again people chose doubt, fear, selfishness, and apathy over faith and remained rooted to a familiar spot preferring to secure their own tiny kingdoms rather than share and expand the Kingdom of God. Now here in Galilee Jesus renews God’s mandate, and the new community gathered by Jesus receives his mission as their own.

Go. Go and multiply shalom on the earth. Go and restore all things to the way God intended. Go and make disciples of Jesus and teach them how to make more disciples who will fill the earth with the glory of God. Go and be a blessing to every nation – to all the families of the earth.

And as you go, you will not be alone. Jesus will be in front and behind and above and below you. Jesus will go with you.

For the rest of this time of meditation, sit in silence and allow Jesus to speak to you in any way he chooses. Stay with this for as long as you need.

What is Jesus’ invitation to you today?

How will you respond to him?

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