October 12
Matthew 27 -- 28
The disciples discovered that, as He had promised, the life of Jesus did not end with His crucifixion. His resurrection gave them the key to understanding the King and His Kingdom. The women who had come to the tomb to complete the burial procedures were met by an angel who said: He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. . . . Go quickly, and tell His disciples . . . He goes before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. . . . Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee. . . . And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him. . . . And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All power has been given to Me in Heaven and in earth. Go therefore, and teach 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 whatsoever I have commanded you: and, I am with you always (Matthew 28:6-20).
The words all power refers to all authority committed to Him over all things in our lives. Submitting to His rule over the affairs of our lives is of utmost importance. He has provided just One Guide telling us how to live and what He expects us to do. Eventually, Christ will return; Then comes the end, when He shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God, even the Father; when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power (I Corinthians 15:24).
Jesus had told His disciples: I will build My Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18-19). And from that time on, the risen Christ has been building His Church of faithful followers. We are commissioned by our Lord to teach His Word, the Bible, throughout the world.
When we baptize believers in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim the fullness of the Godhead. Thus, by public baptism, we confess to the world that God is our Heavenly Father. And of the Son is our witness to the world that Jesus is Savior and Lord of our lives. The Holy Spirit becomes our indwelling Sanctifier, Comforter, and Guide throughout life to teach us all things (John 14:26; 16:13). This confirms the Trinity and that the Son and the Holy Spirit are equal with the Father.
Christ established just One Institution for our spiritual needs, the Church. It is the Body of Christ. No secular activities should consistently keep physically able Christians from honoring the One Institution which Christ died to establish. But, like the world, some "Christians" desecrate the Lord's Day with numerous activities of self-interest, personal enjoyment, and material advantage that dominate their lives. They may sincerely believe they are Christians, yet give no evidence in their daily conduct of having passed out of death into life. Being born again by His Spirit is a supernatural experience which changes the heart, renews the will, and transforms the life to worship the Lord. This Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come (Matthew 24:14).
Cross References:
For Matthew 27:9-10: See Zech. 11:12-13. Matt. 27:34: See Psa. 69:21. Matt. 27:35: See Psa. 22:18. Matt. 27:39: See Job 16:4; Psa. 22:7; 109:25; Lam. 2:15. Matt. 27:43: See Psa. 22:8. Matt. 27:46: See Psa. 22:1.
Government Officials: Gov. John Engler (MI) and Rep. Edward Royce (CA) · Pray for Rick Hash and the Bible Pathway Radio Broadcasts on WMCT-AM, Mountain City, TN · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast sponsored by Mrs. Robert Miller · Country: Egypt (55 million) in northeastern Africa · Major languages: Arabic and English · Christians are not permitted to evangelize Muslims · 82% Muslim; 16% Coptic; .6% Protestant; .6% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord for wisdom as you read His Word, and it will be given to you (James 1:5).
Memory Verse for the Week:
Hebrews 3:12