From this moment on, the stories weave and blend, forming a tapestry of people hearing and people “going and telling.”

When Andrew heard what John the Baptist had said about Jesus, and then spent time with him, the first thing he did was run to his brother, Peter. He encouraged the one who would become the first head of the church to come along and experience a relationship with the Messiah. (John 1: 37-42)

Throughout the gospels we read of Jesus healing the sick as he ministered to them spiritually. Even when he told them to remain quiet about these things, they were unable to do so. They went to others and told them about the wonders of the Christ.

Even the most sinful could not remain silent. The story of the “woman at the well” in John 4 has inspired and intrigued women across the ages. She a sin-drenched woman, no doubt too ridiculed to come to the well when most of the women came but rather at the most difficult time of day, noon. But for once, having met Jesus, she was unashamed. It was no longer about who or what she was; it was now about who he is…and she had to tell everyone in Sychar.

It Mustn’t Stop There

We refer to Matthew 28: 16-20 as “The Great Commission.” Here we find the story of the risen Jesus and his disciples on a mountain where Jesus had previously told them to go. Some say this mountain is the Arbel Cliff. Maybe so. It would make sense as this cliff is more mountain than not. The Arbel overlooks the Galilee. Perhaps for the Messiah and his disciples it was a time of looking down at the path Jesus would have taken from Nazareth to the Sea of Galilee, where he called his first disciples, where so much of his ministry took place. Having looking back, they now look forward and Jesus says to them, “go…”

This commission was not just for them, though it certainly began with them. This commission is for anyone who has heard the story: Christmas through Easter, Easter to Pentecost, Pentecost and beyond. This commission is for us.

This year, as you sing “Go Tell it On the Mountain,” think beyond the story in the lyrics. It began with a few shepherds in a field, it moved to the lowly and the rich—the sick and the dying, both physically and spiritually—in Israel, and was then given to 11 men standing on a mountain.

Now it lies with you and me. Let us go.

Eva Marie Everson is the author of a number of works such as Oasis, her recently released title from Baker/Revel. A seminary graduate, she speaks on a number of topics and can be reached by going t www.EvaMarieEverson.com  

Photo taken of Eva Marie on the Arbel Cliff by Miriam Feinberg Vamosh.