When we baptise at Unley Park, we commission people with these words:

‘As a follower of Jesus, enjoy the love, peace and hope that comes from following Him as your Lord and Saviour and go, share the good news of the gospel!’

Helping other people follow Jesus is not for super saints. It is for every baptised believer. The Message bible translates Matt 28:18-20 in this way:

Jesus… went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”

Matt 28:18-20

If you are a follower of Jesus, you have a role in ‘training everyone you meet’, ‘in this way of life’, in the practice of all Jesus has commanded. We want those who are being baptised to know this is how they are to live their life in Christ. We expect they will grow in doing this, and others will follow through it. If you are a follower of Jesus, this is your commission too.

Enjoy,

Jason

(Photo by Vince Fleming on Unsplash)