The Vine: April 22, 2024
“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing”
This is a weekly reflection on the previous week’s sermon text. Each week there will be a devotional related to the scripture for the week, along with questions for reflection/discussion, as well as prayer. Feel free to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week or utilize in small group settings (growth groups, Sunday school, etc.)
“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
In Matthew’s Gospel Mary Magdalene and the “other Mary” went to see the tomb where Jesus was buried. Then total chaos ensued – there was an earthquake, an angel appeared, and the tomb was empty. As the women left the scene to tell the disciples what they had experienced, Jesus himself showed up and said, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Sure enough, the disciples traveled to Galilee and met Jesus on the mountain in which he had directed them. When they saw him, some worshiped but some doubted. I find that remarkable – the eleven disciples see the resurrected Christ yet some doubted. It’s a reminder to us all that doubt is a natural part of the faith process. Jesus did not just appear to them for the sake of appearing. He had a clear message for them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
When we consider the word “nations”, we think of the United States and other nations. However, that was not what was meant in our text today. The word “nations” meant the Gentiles – those who were not Jewish. In other words, the whole world. Jesus Christ did not die and rise again for a particular country or people. He gave himself for all of humanity for all time. There is not a nation in the past or today that has special privilege or status when it comes to favor with God. We are all God’s children.
Jesus instructed them to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and then teach what he commanded. While Jesus is our Redeemer and Savior, all too often we put his teaching off to the side. We love the Savior part of the equation, but sometimes not so much the teachings. We are prone to do this for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is how difficult it is to put his teachings into practice. They include but are not limited to the following: forgiving others, loving God and others as we love ourselves, do unto others as we would have done unto us, serving one another, loving our enemies and blessing those who persecute us, etc.
We are saved by the grace of God in Jesus Christ, but at the same time we are called to live in response to that grace, which includes living out Jesus’ teachings. These teachings are difficult, but God has given us the Holy Spirit to not only guide us, but to be present with us and support us along the way. The last thing that Jesus said in Matthew’s Gospel was, “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Questions for Reflection
Why do you think some of the disciples doubted?
Baptism is an important part of the Christian journey. How do you understand baptism in your faith journey? What difference does it make in your life to know you have been claimed by a loving God?
Jesus taught us many things. Which of Jesus’ teachings do you find most difficult to practice? When have you experienced the Holy Spirit helping you follow through on some of these teachings?
Read Matthew 5-7 (The Sermon on the Mount) and write down your initial thoughts.
Jesus promised to be with us always, to the end of the age. How does that reality influence your life?
Prayer:
Prayer: Loving God, we thank you for giving us guidance in how to the live the life you have called each of us to live in Christ. We confess we often find it difficult to do things like loving our enemies and serving when it is inconvenient. But we are grateful you have promised to be with us to empower us to accomplish your purposes through our lives. Give us the courage to go and make disciples in the unique ways you have gifted each of us. Amen.
In Christ,
Brad
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