Proclaim: Rescued to proclaim
We started this journey with John the Baptist as we looked at the life of a disciple. We learned that disciples –
Believe in Jesus as God’s plan for salvation
Know His commands through His Word and a relationship with Him
Obey His ways
Proclaim Him to others.
Last week, we were challenged by Jesus who said –
John 14:15 | “If you love me, obey my commandments.”
If we truly love Jesus [if we are truly His disciple], we should obey all He commanded. Do you know the very last command that Jesus issued?
It was given just before Jesus left this Earth to return to Heaven after His resurrection. Much like a parent leaving a babysitter to care for their children or a boss leaving an employee, often the most important message is reiterated when they walk out the door – “Don’t forget to…”
Jesus’ was this:
Mark 16:15 | And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.
In other words, His final command was to proclaim the Good News, or the Gospel, to others.
Matthew records Jesus’ final command this way–
Matthew 28:19-20 | Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Ultimately, disciples make other disciples. And sometimes, that isn’t easy. Remember our theme verse?
Luke 9:23b | …“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”
Often, the choice to proclaim Jesus to others requires a giving up of your own way or denial of self. But the messenger can’t care what people think about their message or if they will lose a friend because they deliver it. The cross they bear might be hatred, the loss of a job, persecution, or a reputation in their school or workplace that they wish they could run from.
But if you love Him, obey His command – make disciples. Furthermore, if you love Him, it's because He loved you first (1st John 4:19). You know the richness of His love and have received His grace and mercy. You know what it is like to be lost without Him and transformed when found by Him. Jeremiah said–
Jeremiah 20:9 | But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!
You should not be able to contain the message of the hope that you have because it truly is Good News – the best news ever! A true disciple should not be able to stand quietly on the sidelines as they watch people walk down the road that leads to destruction.
“But…” What will I say? What if they don’t listen? What if I get fired?
“I can’t…” I don’t have time. I don’t know enough. I don’t know them well enough.
There will always be an excuse that we can use to rationalize why it is better to wait, but the truth is, the Good News can’t wait. We never know when Christ will return or when our time on earth will be over. The time is now. In fact, Scripture says–
1st Timothy 4:2 | Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
In fact, God rescued you, or saved you by His grace, for this very reason –
1st Peter 2:9 | But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
Proclaiming Jesus to others is your purpose. And friend, when you open your mouth to deliver the Good News, you aren’t alone. Remember Jesus’ final earthly words?
Matthew 28:19-20 | Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Are you a true disciple? Disciples have been entrusted with the message of the Gospel (1st Thessalonians 2:4). Are you proclaiming it faithfully?
What does it mean to proclaim something?
What does your life proclaim? [Look at what you say, what you do, what you value, etc.]
What should disciples proclaim? Why? [Read 1st Peter 2:9 if you’re not sure]
Think creatively about what proclaiming Jesus to others looks like. Which of these things are you currently doing or could you implement right away?