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.”
Matthew 28:18-20

After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.
Mark 16:19-20

When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
Luke 24:50-53

This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
John 21:24-25

~~~~~

Commission of Joy
By Jennifer Kane

He left us with a commission,
a call not just to follow, but to go—
to carry His name to every shore,
to lift up the broken, to speak of His love.

Then He ascended to heaven,
vanishing into the clouds,
but Jesus never really left us.
His voice still echoes in the breaking of bread,
His hands still move in the kindness we give,
His footsteps still guide those who dare to believe.

His work is still at hand—
in whispered prayers, in mercy given,
in the stranger welcomed,
in the disciple made.

I can’t wait to hear the endless stories,
to sit at the table where saints and sinners
tell of grace that found them in the dark.
Unending praise will rise like morning light,
filling the heavens with the sound of redemption.

As we set out to spread the good news,
our feet may grow weary,
but our hearts burn with the fire He left behind.

He will come back when the time of work is through,
when every nation has heard,
when every weary traveler has been called home.

And together we will celebrate in joy,
yes, me and you,
in the presence of the One
who sent us out and gathers us in.

~~~~~

Scriptures: Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:50-53, John 21:24-25

As the Gospels conclude, they each leave us with a sense of mission, awe, and hope. These final words are not just endings—they are beginnings. They remind us that Jesus’ story did not end with His departure but continues through His disciples and through us today.

Matthew’s Gospel closes with the Great Commission, Jesus’ command to go and make disciples. He reassures us that He has all authority and that we are never alone: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20). What a promise! No matter where we go or what challenges we face, Christ’s presence remains constant. His command is not burdensome—it is a calling filled with purpose and divine companionship.

Mark’s Gospel highlights Jesus’ ascension and the work of the disciples: “Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them.” (Mark 16:20). Jesus’ departure did not leave them abandoned. Instead, He empowered them, confirming their words with signs. Today, He still works through His people, guiding, strengthening, and confirming His truth in our lives.

Luke paints a picture of worship and joy. As Jesus ascends, He blesses His disciples, and they respond not with sorrow, but with “great joy.” (Luke 24:52). They stay in the temple, praising God. The Christian life is not one of mourning but of rejoicing, for we serve a risen King whose blessings never cease.

John’s Gospel ends with a beautiful reflection on the limitless nature of Jesus’ works: “If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” (John 21:25). This reminds us that Jesus is greater than we can comprehend. His love, His miracles, and His wisdom are infinite. Even now, His work in our lives is beyond measure.

Taken together, these final words encourage us to live with faith, purpose, and joy. We are sent out with Christ’s authority, strengthened by His presence, working with His power, rejoicing in His blessings, and marveling at His unending goodness. May we embrace this calling, knowing that our Lord is with us always.

This week, take one step to fulfill the Great Commission in your daily life. Whether it’s sharing the Gospel with a friend, encouraging someone in their faith, or living in a way that reflects Christ’s love, ask God to show you how you can be a light in the world. As you do, remember that you are never alone—Jesus is working with you.

~~~~~

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your everlasting presence and for calling us into a life of purpose and joy. Strengthen our hearts to go forth with confidence, knowing that You are with us in every step we take. May we boldly proclaim Your name, rejoice in Your blessings, and trust in the power of Your works. Fill us with the joy of Your Spirit and help us to live out Your calling with faith and love. In Your precious name, Amen.

March 29 2025