We often times hear sermons ending with Jesus going to the cross at Calvary.

In Matthew 27th chapter, the Bible tells us how Jesus dies on the cross from the sixth to the ninth hour.

It tells us how darkness came over all the earth and about the ninth hour, Jesus cried in a loud voice, “Eloi Eloi lama sabacthani,” which means “My God, My God why have you forsaken me”?

The scripture further states that Jesus gave up his spirit and died. In reading the 27th chapter of Matthew, verses 57-61, it tells us the burial procedure of Jesus and Joseph of Arimathea’s new tomb to place Jesus’ body in. The Bible tells us in Matthew 28th chapter Jesus raised from the dead with all power in heaven and on earth.

After the miraculous resurrection of Jesus, he was viewed by many, including his 11 disciples. Jesus told the disciples to go to Galilee. They worshiped him, but some doubted. He told them “all authority in heaven and earth has been give 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, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.”

Finally, he said, “Surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

This is called the Great Commission he gave to his disciples.

This same command is for us to follow today.

We are to go whether it is next door or to another country and make disciples. It is not an option, but a command to all who call Jesus Lord.

We are not all evangelists in the formal sense, but we all have received gifts that we can use to help fulfill the Great Commission. As we obey God’s command, we will have comfort in the knowledge that Jesus is always with us. The disciples were to baptize people because baptism unites a person with Christ in his or her death to sin and resurrection to new life. Baptism symbolizes submission to Christ, a willingness to live God’s way and identify with God’s people.

As we are to fulfill our purpose and calling by God through evangelizing, we must remember that Great Commission and realize that we are working for the Lord.

Where ever the Lord leads us, we have to ask the Lord for strength to go. We have to leave the comfort of our familiar surroundings and sometimes go to places where we have never been before. God’s word reminds us that he will never leave us nor will he forsake us no matter what obstacles, criticism or uncertainties we have to face.

In working for the Lord, we got to show love and concern for our fellowman and not look down on them. We must show the love that Jesus has already shown us when he went to the cross. Jesus fulfilled his mission here, but he has placed his work in our hands to carry on what he demonstrated.

This is the rest of the story.

When we read the scripture in Matthew 25th chapter, verse 34, we see there is going to be a judgment. The Lord is going to separate the sheep from the goats. We are to feed the hungry, visit the sick, visit those in jail, and help clothe those who are naked.

In doing these things, we are doing this unto the Lord. He said when you have done it to the least, we have done it unto him. Jesus came that we might have life and have it to the fullest. However, he wants us to carry out his work by serving others until he returns.

Jesus was with the disciples physically until he ascended into heaven and spiritually through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4).

The Holy Spirit will be Jesus presence that will never leave us (John 14:26). Jesus continues to be with us today through the Spirit.

If we follow the Bible, then we will not only know Him, we will use our spiritual gifts to help spread the gospel to every area on this earth. There is going to be a judgment and we will have to stand before our Creator and give in account of our work done here. We will have an eternal reward when we obey the will of God. The rest of the story is in our hands and that is to do our part because Jesus has already done what he came to earth to do. Jesus said we will bare much fruit when we abide in Him.

Prayer: “Lord help us to carry on your work and let it be pleasing in your sight. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”