Jesus says, "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, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)

This is not a simple request made by Jesus.  Jesus wasn’t asking the disciples to do this if they had the time.  Jesus is not looking for volunteers.  Jesus was not saying ,"Go if you feel like it".  No.  Rather Jesus says, "GO".  This is an imperative; a command.  Jesus needs each of us to go and make disciples.

There are no qualifiers on this command.  It is not only directed towards clergy.  Jesus is not only speaking to "trained" individuals.  Jesus is not calling only people over a certain age.  This command of Jesus, called the Great Commission, is directed to all people regardless of your training, age or experience.  The Great Commission is directed to all people who have a story; it is directed towards you.

But before you say that you do not have a story.  Before you say that you are not qualified.  Before you say that you do not know how to "GO".  Let me say this:  You do have a story; that story is Jesus Christ dying on the cross and rising from the grave to forgive your sins and give you eternal life.  That is one heck of a story.  Qualifications?  Breathing and believing are the only qualifications I can think of.  If you believe that Jesus died for you and if you are alive to know this then Jesus needs you to share with others this fact.  Jesus needs you to share your story.

The Great Commission is about evangelism.  It is about doing what we were created to do.  God is in the business of loving people and all of creation and God needs you to see that this is communicated.  We are often times very eager to share good news such as a new baby in the family or something about a loved one, but why are we reluctant to share the best news of all; Jesus Christ? 

Go and make disciples knowing that you do not go alone, for Jesus says "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  You are called.  You are qualified.  You are loved and you are saved.  Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Now "GO!" and tell the world around you.  Amen! -EDH-