Teaching Them To Observe All things
Or
Be Not Deceived – I Am With You Always
Sunday Nov. 19, 2023
Scripture To Consider:
“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some doubted.”
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” Matthew 28.16-20
Something To Consider:
Even in worship there is the possibility of some to still be found doubting. This was true of the original eleven disciples, and it is still true today. Of course, true worship is not worship offered to God in doubt. According to Jesus and Matthew 4.10, true worship is service rendered unto the Lord.
As Jesus was being tempted by Satan in the wilderness, “The devil took Him [Jesus] up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Jesus, ‘All these things I will give to You if You will fall down and worship me.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, “You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.”’” True worship is true service rendered unto the Lord!
Many are willing to worship in the methods and styles we have grown accustomed to in most of our organized places of worship. For many of us, we are willing to worship with our hands reaching out to heaven and our voices singing unto heaven but hesitate when called upon to serve Christ by reaching out to others or speaking to someone else in the name of Jesus.
There must be a consistency in our willingness to serve in order to truly worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness. Therefore, what is our true attitude when it comes to our willingness to serve the Lord? If we are truly following Jesus, it means that He is truly leading us in the direction of His will and plan for our earthly lives.
And yet, this life is in preparation for the eternal life that is to come. Do we believe that? Or do we believe that this life has little to do with eternal life? In John chapter 14, Jesus declared that He was going to prepare a place for those who truly believe Him and His Word. Why would Jesus not be preparing us for that place He has been preparing for us for nearly two thousand years?
Something Else To Consider:
But much could be said for those of the early eleven even in their doubt, for they were wherever Jesus was. Would that not be the wisest thing any of us could do with what is left of our lives, to be wherever Jesus is?
For even in the midst of some doubt, Jesus commissioned the eleven disciples by transferring His authority to them in declaring their earthly mission by instructing them, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe [or to obey] all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
And after these insightful words of instruction by Jesus, Matthew closed his gospel with a hearty Amen, or so be it! Can it be said of us, that we are part of the ongoing discipleship preparedness program for eternity that Jesus revealed in Matthew 28.19-20? Are we a part of making disciples of all nations, or converts of organized religious institutions? It is very important how we answer these questions!
Are we taking part in baptizing men, women, and young people into true biblical Christianity or into a well oiled profit producing for a handful at the top corporate style so-called churches and church leaders? It is very important how we answer!
Something More To Consider:
These men would eventually go into all the then known world in the power and authority of God and the Word of God. They would eventually go in the name of the trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus commanded them. They went into all the world making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching men, women, and young people to observe all things Jesus had taught them while He was alive on planet earth.
And everywhere they went Jesus was with them in the person of the Holy Spirit. As God promised Moses and Joshua, and many others, He promises us who believe in Jesus now and are willing to serve others for the kingdom’s sake. And if so, then Jesus would say to you and to me, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” And we should say in return, “Amen!”
But, are those being baptized into organized religion being taught to observe and to obey all things Jesus Himself taught in the four gospels and in the book of Revelation? The answer is sadly no, absolutely not! If so, that which Jesus taught would flatly refute much of the religious tradition and false doctrine that is being proclaimed as truth by men who have not been spiritually born again.
Yes, there are a few faithful in every generation who have and are attempting to teach true disciples of Christ to observe all things Jesus commanded. And for those who truly believe the commandments of Christ, His living presence by way of the Holy Spirit is with them always, even to the end of this evil age! Where then do we stand? Are we observing all things Jesus commanded? Or have we been deceived and misled by false prophets and misguided religious leaders?
A Few Final Words:
Why are the majority of religious leaders not teaching disciples to observe all things Jesus commanded? It is because what Jesus taught would nullify the false teachings of the religious elite, therefore, they stay clear of the teachings of Jesus and teach everything else then what He commanded.
Jesus warned in the beginning of Matthew chapter 24 and in verse 4, “Take heed [be warned] that no one [including and especially religious leaders] deceives [or misleads] you.” Jesus continued His warning by stating, “For many [not some but many] will come in My name [in the name of Jesus as if Christian followers], saying, ‘I [Jesus] am the Christ,’ and will deceive many [not some but many].”
The perpetual presence of Jesus through the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit, is the best beginning to being granted authority to go into all the world making true disciples of all nations. Are we therefore, part of the problem or part of the solution?
For according to Jesus, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
If we are now living in the end times, we are promised Jesus’ presence even unto the end. Therefore, let us endure to the end in response to the commandment of Jesus Christ!
Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, our being promised of the presence of Jesus is enough to drive away all doubt and fear that attempts to linger but cannot remain. Let us be found willing and faithful even unto the end of this age. In Him Always, Amen!
According to Jesus 