Matthew 28:16-17 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
Today I want to focus on Matthew 28:20, the last part of the verse: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus says this to the disciples after His arrest, after their denial and betrayal, after His crucifixion and resurrection, after He sends them out in His name. He has already been with them through all of these trials. He knows that what He is asking of them now–Go and make disciples of all nations–will involve even more trials, and He promises to be with them. Always. No matter what.
Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Just like every human on the planet, my life has had its ups and downs. There have been times when nothing made any sense, my pain, anger, and bitterness were through the roof, there were no answers, there seemed to be little comfort. I was angry and bereft. And in my darkest times, when I felt nothing but the pain and hurt, when I desperately wanted answers that weren’t mine to have, Jesus sat with me in that silence, whispering to my heart, “I am here. You are not alone. I am with you. Always.”
Matthew 28:19-20a 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.
Lord, I want answers, comfort, smooth paths. You don’t promise any of that. You promise to be with me. Always. In my doubt, in my fear, in my pain and questioning. Thank You for understanding that I need You more than I need anything else. Thank You for helping me to learn that truth as well. You are with me. Always. You are all I need. Amen.
Matthew 28:20b And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Have a blessed day. I love you.