Matthew 28:16-20; 1 Corinthians 15:6
Only a step separated Jesus Christ from His heavenly throne when He gave instructions to His disciples: “all power is Given Me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all Nations”; “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Matthew 28:18,19; Mark 16:15). The students had become co-workers of the great Redeemer in the salvation of the world.
The time and place of Their last meeting with the disciples appointed by Jesus Christ before His death. At the appointed time on the mountain slope about five hundred believers gathered in small groups, wanting to know about the incident first hand – from those who saw Jesus Christ after His resurrection. Students moved from one group to another, telling all that he knew about Jesus, and, arguing from the Scriptures as He did. Thomas reminisced about his doubts, about how he got rid of them. Suddenly among the crowd appeared Jesus Christ. His face was godlike, and he who had gathered bowed with reverence. But some still doubted. It will always be. There are always skeptics who side with the doubters. How much they lose because of their unbelief.
It was the only occasion when after His resurrection Jesus Christ was talking to believers. He announced that His sacrifice for man was complete and perfect. He did what came into the world, and now has ascended to the throne of God to begin the Ministry of the Intercessor. Before leaving His disciples, Christ commanded them: “go ye therefore, and teach 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 lo, I am with you all days, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:16-20). The gospel message had to reach the farthest corners of the earth. Everyone can be reconciled to God and receive eternal life. All believers should unite in one Church.
Thanks to the gift of the Holy Ghost the disciples had gained amazing strength. Their testimony must be confirmed by signs and wonders. Miracles will make not only the apostles but all who accepted their message. Jesus Christ said, “My Name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover” (Mark 16:17, 18).
Giving instructions: “Go into all the world”, Jesus Christ breaks all barriers, all national prejudices and teaches love for the whole human family. He abolishes all national borders and artificial divisions in society. He blurs the distinction between natives and foreigners, between friends and enemies. He teaches us to see in each needy soul brother and the whole world consider their home.
Jesus Christ gave His followers various gifts, including the gift of healing. “They shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.” Our world is a huge leper colony, Jesus Christ never rejected anyone who wanted His healing power. He knew begging for His help themselves have incurred illness but never deny them the healing. And when the grace of Jesus Christ dealt with these poor souls, they are aware of their sinfulness and frequently healed from spiritual sickness in exactly the same way as physical ailments. The gospel, as before, has the same power, and why do we today not see similar results?
Many sufferers who received healing, Christ said, “sin No more, lest something worse with thee” (John 5:14). Thus He taught that disease is the result of breaking God’s laws, both natural and spiritual. The world was not weary of suffering, if people lived in accordance with the destiny of the Creator.
Jesus Christ was the Mentor and Teacher of ancient Israel. He taught that health is the reward for obedience to the laws of God. Christ gave to Israel definite instruction in how to live, and said: “take Away from thee all sickness” (Deuteronomy 7:15). When the Jews had fulfilled these conditions, he fulfilled the promise of God: “was Not a feeble one among their tribes” (Psalm 104:37). All of this – a lesson for us. Anyone who wants to preserve their health, it is necessary to follow these instructions. Everyone should know what those rules are.
Giving instructions to His disciples, Christ not only outlined their responsibilities, but also entrusted to them the good news. “Teach the Nations – He said – to obey everything I have commanded you.” The students are required to teach what was taught by Jesus Christ, not only during His stay on earth, but through the prophets and teachers of the old Testament. Human teachings are not taken into account. “The law and the prophets”, as well as the recording of His private words and deeds – this is a treasure, entrusted to the disciples so they announced it to the world. The name of Jesus Christ – that’s their motto and distinctive sign and pledge of unity, the authority of which they are guided, and the source of their success. That is not sealed with the authority of Jesus Christ, will not be recognized in His Kingdom.
The gospel should be preach the gospel, not as a formal theory but as a living force that can change a person’s life. The Savior seeks to show His grace and to capture Your image in every person. He redeemed the world with His blood, and He wants to make people pure, righteous, and free.
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, announcing peace, good news, the joy of preaching salvation, saying to Zion, “your God reigns!” “Sing, sing together, ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted His people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. Revealed the Lord Holy arm in the sight of all the Nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God” (Isaiah 52:7, 9-10).