“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”

— John 15:4-5

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.)

Matthew 28: 16-20

“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go 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 I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Yesterday was an amazing day in the life of our church. We dedicated our campus to the glory and mission of God in Jesus Christ. For the first time in over 40 years, we are completely debt free. It is a great celebration to know that more resources will now be allocated to our mission – making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

This passage from Matthew is often referred to as “The Great Commission”. It was Jesus’ final words to his disciples in Matthew’s gospel. Those words are just as important and relevant for us today. While we celebrated and dedicated our beautiful campus and its buildings, we were reminded that the true mission of our church is to make disciples.

The word “disciple” literally means “learner”. Therefore, disciples are persons who learn at the feet of Jesus and follow his teachings. One of the first things we learn as disciples is that we all receive God’s grace and extend it to others. Disciples are not perfect, sinless people – those people do not exist. Disciples are those who have been forgiven in Christ and extend that message of grace and love to others through their words and actions.

FUMC Round Rock has been such a great church over the years in making disciples. Perhaps a good thing for all of us to do today would be to thank God for those in this church who have helped us along the way in becoming disciples. I hope you have a great week and remember that you are making a great difference in the world today!