Christ's Commencement Address
Mt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Graduation season is upon us. Each spring as the flowers begin to bloom and the temperatures rise, many families begin planning celebrations for their high school and college seniors that will be graduating. It is interesting that we use the word “Commencement” to describe the graduation ceremony. Often we think of graduation as an ending, and it is. It is the end of the preparation for the next stage of life. So we call it “Commencement” also because the next stage begins from this moment forward.
When Christ left earth from the Mount of Olives, He gave a “Commencement Address” to the disciples standing there. The days of their preparation with Jesus on earth were done and now it was time for them to begin their ministry of spreading the good news of salvation with the rest of mankind. We call these words the Great Commission because He was assigning to His disciples for all time their responsibility to spread the gospel and train others. Let’s consider the words of this great and so important speech.
Jesus starts by stating His position: “All power is given unto me…” This power is authority, the right to make decisions and give directions. It is also universal power, so Christ’s purposes cannot be thwarted by man or demon.
Then Jesus gives us the command: “Go…and teach all nations…to observe all things I have commanded you…” The new responsibility that the disciples have now to fulfill is to carry the gospel to the entire world! What a huge assignment!
The magnitude of this mission is so great, that we are relieved to hear the rest of His Commencement Address: “…and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” The One who has all power is with His disciples as they endeavor to carry out His command. We need His help if we are to accomplish our part of spreading the gospel, and He promises His presence as we obey. What a wonderful thing that He is with us as we witness on His behalf. Without His help, this would be an impossible task.
Let’s remember this Commencement Address from Jesus as we go about our business each day. Remember not only the assignment to witness, but the promise of His presence as we follow His command. God is with me when I give a tract or speak of Him to a lost person. He is also with me as I seek to teach others the truth of His Word!
Thank You, Lord, for enabling me to share the gospel and accompanying me as I obey You. With Your power helping me, I can face whatever challenges that come my way. Please give me the boldness I need today to witness for You!