Discipleship | a 5-Day Skate Church Movement Devotionalنموونە

the great commission

“Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

Most skateboarders–whether you are a professional or a younger guy skating in the driveway with your friends–have been told a command at one point or another; typically, “do a kickflip!” or “grind that rail!” I remember when I was in sixth grade, all of my friends were shouting for me to FS boardslide the biggest rail at the skatepark right before it was closing time. I was so nervous, but the more I delayed, the shouts got louder: “Do it!” They were not suggesting that I go for it, they were commanding! If you are a follower of Jesus, we too as Christians, have been given not only a suggestion, but a command by the Lord Jesus Himself!

In Mark 16:15-16, Jesus leaves His disciples with this challenge: “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.”

Today, more than ever, it has become popular for Christians to keep to themselves and to avoid sharing the Gospel because it could offend others. Yes, it can be uncomfortable at times to share with people, but we must remember that not only is Jesus commanding us to share (yes, a command–not merely a recommendation), but that if we truly care for the loved ones in our lives, we should be eager to share the Good News of the Gospel so that they can have the hope of Heaven and be saved.

As Christians, we must recall when Jesus said that we are the light of the world. We are to let our light shine before men, not to let our light be hidden under a basket out of sight. (Matthew 5:15-16) Evangelizing–or sharing the Gospel with everybody we can–is what the Great Commission is, along with helping new believers grow in their walk with the Lord (making disciples).

If we all look back on when we first got saved, there is somebody who once stepped out of their comfort zone to share the Gospel with us. Jesus commands us to do the same and the Lord will honor us for responding. So, let’s choose to take a moment and think of those friends around us who still need to hear the Good News! The Good News that despite our sinfulness and separation from God, the Lord is still willing to forgive and save. He sent His Son to take our place on the cross, so that we may be dead to sin, and alive to God.

pushing further

1. Where would you be if no one had ever shared the Gospel with you?
2. What intimidates you about being commanded to go into the world to share the Gospel?