Therefore...

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit … “

~ Jesus the Christ

“Therefore” – One of the most important words in the New Testament. In the original language it’s a simple conjunction comprised of three letters. Within this simple conjunction, however, the key to discipleship is found – within the simple little word the key to God’s plan for the nations is found. The word translated therefore, points us back to the bold assertion Jesus exclaims in verse 18: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Jesus’ words recall a significant prophetic vision recorded in Daniel 7.14.

And to Him was given dominion.

Glory and a kingdom,

That all the peoples, nations and men of every language

Might serve Him.

His dominion is an everlasting dominion

Which will not pass away;

And His kingdom is one

Which will not be destroyed.

This prophecy tells the story of the world from God’s perspective and at the center of God’s story is a King. Any King “worth his salt” must have a kingdom and the King at the center of God’s story receives His kingdom from God Himself. Aside from the fact this kingdom is God’s, two other elements of this kingdom are worthy of our attention. 1) This kingdom will not pass away. Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall but not this kingdom. It is everlasting. It will not pass away. It will not be destroyed. This kingdom is worthy of our life’s devotion 2) This kingdom is for all peoples. Daniel’s vision announces the reason the Ancient of Days will give dominion to the Son of Man; that all the peoples and nations of every language might serve Him. And it is this King that we encounter in Matthew 28:16-20. Jesus declares I am the Son of Man. He asserts that all authority in the cosmos is being given to Him. What is the appropriate response? Jesus says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” In other words, the process of gathering men, women, girls and boys to serve the Son of Man has begun. If you are a Christian – if you believe that Jesus Christ is the risen and ascended Lord, there is only one acceptable response. “Go therefore and make disciples.” It is to the obedience of Jesus’ command that we have dedicated the month of October at SBC. Especially during our Make Disciples! conference with Tim Catchim, we are offering relevant resources that will equip us to obey the One who commands us, “Make disciples!" Linked below is a talk given by Tim which should whet your appetite for how God will use him among us. 

http://vimeo.com/35944513