The cross and the Great Commission

John 20:19-21 ESV

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”  When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

Dr. Tim Keesee

The great commission does not exist in the Bible. It was a phrase popularized by Hudson Taylor. There are several commissions strewn throughout the gospels, even Paul has several. We are simply called to go into the world and make disciples.

Three things we need to know about being a disciple of Christ...

Cross bearing

Those who follow Jesus must take up their cross. Taking up your cross is more than just having a bad day. To the first disciples, taking up your cross meant total commitment. The cross was something to be inflicted on your worse enemies. It was a symbol of death. It means fully identifying with Jesus, regardless of the cost. Whether it means losing your job, going to jail, etc.

Risk taking

Not everyone is called to go to  Afghanistan. But we should take relational risks, tell a friend that Jesus died for them. Risk your reputation, looking like a religious nut.

Matthew 16:25 ESV

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

We cannot preserve our lives without loss. To throw away our lives for the sake of Christ, will give us life.

Fellowship

Christ promises to be with us as we do all these things. Jesus does not promise success to his disciples. He just promises His presence. And that would be enough.