"As you go ..." - Matthew 28:-20

I think that’s a better translation.  Often times we hear Jesus’ command at the end of Matthew’s Gospel – his Great Commission to all who will obey and follow – as a highly directed order.  I know it’s translated “Go ye, therefore …”  But some really good work has been done on the root Greek text, poreuomai, which favors a different expression.  This same word is used everywhere else to describe “making your way,” journeying, making the passage. “He went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39). “And all journeyed to their own towns to be registered” (Luke 2:3).  It’s a subtle difference, but an important one.  What we hear Jesus saying is not “set out on a mission of conversion,” to win souls for the Lord.  It’s been heard and engaged that way a lot throughout history; often with brutal and tragic effect.  What I believe we hear Jesus saying is “make your way.”  Make the passage, make the journey of life, from now on, following in the way and the truth of God that I have revealed to you.  And as you go, invite others into that way and that truth that has transformed your life.  As you make your way, encourage others to make the passage with you.

I think it’s the right translation because it’s what I see Jesus doing.  As Jesus makes his way through the world, in everything he says and does he shows the love of God.  Whether it is embracing the untouchable, the outcast, the “other,” or confronting the abuse of power, refusing to back down, calling for repentance …a turning toward the truth:  he is always “discipling” the people around him.  After all, the disciple – mathetes – is the one who “lives into the teachings of the master.”   Jesus’ call to “evangelism” in the Gospel, is primarily to share the Good News of a loving and gracious God by living, loving and serving just as we have seen Jesus do, and inviting others to do likewise, as we make our way together.

We almost hesitate to use the word “evangelism” anymore because it’s so loaded with baggage.  But Jesus’ direction to us is not “if we have time,” or if we feel like it; it IS a commission.  But it’s a loving commission, an invitation to us to share the blessing of faith in the God who is saving the whole world in love.  It’s a simple request, but far from easy.  And I’ll take all the help and encouragement I can get in reaching out to a world that operates according to its own rules and reward systems. 

 

Our Evangelism Board has tackled this challenge in putting together an education and preparation program to help us fulfill Christ’s commission, God’s call upon our lives.  We’ll be offering it at the church for the first time July13-14 (a Friday evening and Saturday gathering).  Anyone who wants to join us is welcome.  You won’t be drilled in conversion tactics.  Rather, we’ll explore the power of our own faith stories and discipleship to be an encouragement to others.  We hope you’ll join us!

 

- Pastor Brad Highum