Need of the Nations

Many times it is the last things we say that are the most important. Do you remember the first time that your parents left you at home by yourself? What is the last thing they said before leaving? Maybe they told you who to contact in case of an emergency, or how to deal with certain situations that might come up. Maybe they told you they loved you, or perhaps they reassured you that they would be back soon. Whatever it was that they said, your parents wanted you to remember that information the most, that’s why they chose to say it last.

For this weeks lesson I would like to you travel back in time with me to the year AD 33. As we race across the Judean countryside we fly over rivers and streams, hills and valleys, journeying toward our destination, a small rise in elevation situated on the east side of Jerusalem. . .the Mount of Olives. There stands a man speaking to a small crowd that has assembled there. As he begins to gesture with his hands we realize that this is no ordinary man, for his hands bear the scars of nails in them. It is Jesus! He has been to the cross and paid the penalty for our sin. He has triumphed over the grave and now is about to ascend into heaven. Jesus is getting ready to say the last thing that He will say to His disciples while on earth. What topic is so important to Jesus that He will make it His last instruction to His followers. With compassion in his eyes He looks at His disciples and says:

“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

The scope of this task is to go to all nations showing them how they can become followers of Christ. However, we cannot stop here, we must also help them take the first step in their relationship with God. . .baptism. Then we must go even further and teach them all of God’s word.

The seriousness of this task is the reality that if we don’t warn people that there is a judgment for sin, God says their blood will be on our hands. This is a tremendous task that God has entrusted to us, but He has also provided a tremendous resource, for Jesus has promised, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”