In Matthew 28:18-20 we read: Then Yeshua came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…
From the time of the fall, God voiced His commitment to the redemption of the peoples who would be born. The fall would be reversed. In the covenant with Abraham, God promised that all the peoples of the earth would be blessed through Abraham’s seed. The Gospel – based on the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Yeshua– is the fulfillment of the promise to the nations and will eventually lead to all nations coming under the rule of the Messiah and entering into the fullness of the Kingdom. At this time, however, we are involved in seeking an adequate remnant from every nation that will influence the salvation of Israel and the nations.
This is especially important for Jewish disciples of Yeshua. Israel is not called merely for their own fulfillment. Israel’s call from the very first is for the blessing of the nations. Therefore Jewish followers of Yeshua should be involved in prayer for the nations and open to God’s call to the nations. This can be expressed in a variety of ways. When a Jewish disciple brings the Gospel to other nations, a very special quality of anointing is manifest. Some will do this on short term trips, some in mercy ministries, and some in long term venues for spreading the Good News.
Let us note that the Great Commission is not fulfilled by merely speaking the message, but in discipling the members of the nations to obey all of His commandments. This includes training in godly character. It includes discipling believers in all of their responsibilities in all spheres of life.
Yeshua says to those who are discipling that “All authority has been given to Me.” This means that He is delegating His authority and power to accomplish this commandment. May God give us His heart for the nations and for making disciples. May He give us specific nations for which we are called to pray and specific Kingdom works to support more specifically.
