We've been following mainly Luke's and John's accounts of the appearances of Jesus after his resurrection. Matthew chose to include only one appearance after Mary Magdalene and the other women see Jesus as they are on their way to tell the disciples that Jesus is risen. Matthew seems to condense the appearances to the disciples into one: "Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go (through the message given to the women). When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted (Matthew 28:16-17).
More than on the fact of an appearance by Jesus, Matthew's focus is on Jesus' message. "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20).
With the creation of the internet it is now possible to "go to all nations" with the gospel in a way it never was before. The Manna Prayer website has only been in existence for a year but I have heard from people in nations around the world, even Muslim nations. But you can't baptize or truly disciple someone over the internet. That has to be done in person.
For reflection: How can I help to fulfill the mandate given to the disciples?
Let us pray. Jesus, we pray for the safety of all those who are spreading your good news around the world.
More than on the fact of an appearance by Jesus, Matthew's focus is on Jesus' message. "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20).
With the creation of the internet it is now possible to "go to all nations" with the gospel in a way it never was before. The Manna Prayer website has only been in existence for a year but I have heard from people in nations around the world, even Muslim nations. But you can't baptize or truly disciple someone over the internet. That has to be done in person.
For reflection: How can I help to fulfill the mandate given to the disciples?
Let us pray. Jesus, we pray for the safety of all those who are spreading your good news around the world.
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