Join Willie Robertson in fulfilling God's call to believers to share their faith. Through Biblical stories, personal testimonies, and guided reflection, this devotional will encourage Christians to proclaim the Gospel to those around them.

Jesus' Commission, Your Mission

As we live our lives, we carry the Gospel into the world.

I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who didn’t want to know their purpose. God obviously hard-wired us with a desire for our lives to matter. For the folks who have figured out what they’re good at or what they love, regardless of faith, we often hear things like, “I know this is what I was put on this earth to do.” We all want to know why we’re here. Everyone wants their lives to count.

In the Gospels, we read about the disciples, a rag-tag group of just regular folks, who followed Jesus and got to be a part of something historic and eternal. They were the ones who handed out multiplied food—starting with a handful of fish and bread and ending up with basketfuls for thousands. They saw countless people healed. They witnessed the demon-possessed get their lives back. They watched Jesus do miracles like calm a storm, call a man out of the grave, and capture the hearts of a huge crowd with His message. But after seeing all those miraculous moments, what happened when Jesus died on the cross and His body was placed in a tomb and sealed up?

When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had driven seven demons. She went and told those who had been with Him and who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen Him, they did not believe it. Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either (Mark 16:9-13).

Most of the disciples were grieving and weeping and wouldn’t believe that Jesus had actually done what He said He would do. Sometimes it’s hard for us to remember that they were just ordinary people. They weren’t some specially created group of superheroes. In fact, most of the twelve were men no one would pick to be on their A-team. But Jesus did. Now, after His death, they were thinking all was lost and their new-found purpose was over. They didn’t believe their own friends who had given them eyewitness reports that Jesus was alive. Luke 24:11 even says, “But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it” (NLT).

In John chapters 20 and 21, we’re told about encounters the disciples eventually had with the risen Jesus. There was evidently some unfinished business, especially with Peter, and Jesus wanted to spend a few moments with the eleven that remained. Sure, Jesus had taught them how to care for people, feed crowds, and meet needs, but helping people is only the beginning of the mission. That was important for the disciples to know and still is for us today.

In the final verses of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus gave the disciples the purpose for the rest of their lives: He commissioned them into God’s work on earth in His name—a movement so strong, we are a part of it two thousand years later. A mission to not only accept the gift of Jesus, but offer that gift to others, giving them a whole new mission as well. The Good News is meant to spread and grow as it moves through each generation.

Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they found Him, they worshiped Him—though some of them doubted! 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 28:16-20).

What always strikes me is that there was worship but also doubt. It’s amazing they were looking at someone who had risen from the dead, who they knew as a friend for years, and still had some doubts. This is a reminder that God can use all of us—even when there is doubt, fear, or a lack of enthusiasm—for His purpose. Regardless, Jesus didn’t feel the need to go back to square one. He just gave them the mission right where they were at the time. Jesus reminded the disciples that what He was saying was coming directly from God as He gave them their calling, purpose, meaning, their “why you matter,” and “what you were put on this earth to do.” His three commands were:

1. Make disciples of all nations
2. Baptize those disciples in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
3. Teach them about Me (Jesus)

Now, here’s some really great news about the meaning of our lives and our purpose: Those exact commands and promises that Jesus gave His disciples right before He returned to Heaven are made to us today. This is for us as well. We get to follow an incredible legacy of world changers in the faith.

If you have been searching for your authentic purpose and meaning in life—this is it! Being a person who delights in God’s goodness and proclaims it to everyone who will listen is what God intended when He made you. Of course, we are all going to lead different lives and have unique stories, but the ultimate calling and mission are the same. As we go through life, we carry the Gospel into the world, sharing who Jesus is and what He can do, because of what He has already done for us. We make disciples, baptize, and teach, because He is with us everywhere we go and in anything we do.

Whether or not you had any idea that this same mission was part of the life to which you are called, right here, on our first day, I want to be sure you know it’s the final answer to the question, “Why am I here?”

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

Up to this moment, have you felt like you knew your purpose in life? If so, what is it?

How does a clear understanding of Jesus’ commands to you as His follower affect your thoughts and feelings about your life and future?