PODCAST
Follow Jesus’ Instructions
August 26th, 2025
Matthew 28:18-20.
Yesterday’s devotional concluded with Jesus commissioning His followers to be His “witnesses . . . to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). In today’s scripture, Jesus expands this commission. He does so as one to whom “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given” (Matthew 28:18).
“Authority” speaks of kingship. So, Jesus, King of all creation, sends His followers out to “make disciples of all nations” (v. 19). Making disciples has two components: “baptizing them” and “teaching them” (vv. 19, 20).
New believers who have placed their faith in Jesus for salvation and have witnessed to their faith are to be baptized in the name of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (v. 19). This act of baptism is a public witness to the church that these believers are now in covenant relationship with God and God’s people.
To become a true disciple of Jesus, the new believer must now be taught Jesus’s commandments. Whether a new or longtime disciple, learning to live like Christ is a lifetime journey. However, Jesus assures both disciple and teacher, “‘I am with you always, to the very end of the age'” (v. 20).
Author: Barry Ross
