The Way
The Last Charge on the Mountain
The promise to be with them to the end of the age
Story
The eleven disciples went to Galilee and climbed the mountain Jesus had told them about. In the wind that swept the ridge, each carrying his own failure and fear, they waited for him in silence. It was just as the women had been told on their way back from the tomb. Go to Galilee. There you will see me.
When at last Jesus appeared, the disciples bowed down and worshiped him. Yet even then some among them doubted. Even on the same mountain, each heart was different. A moment of silence passed among those bowed on the ground. Jesus came near to them, just as they were, and spoke.
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to keep everything I have commanded you. Before a small company in which doubt and faith were mixed, the whole world lay open. And one last promise remained. Look, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Walk this scene on the map →His Words
So go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to keep all I commanded.
Remember this: I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Mt 28:16–20
Background
Matthew's Gospel opens with the Immanuel prophecy, God is with us, and closes with the promise, I am with you always. Which mountain this was is not recorded.
Pause and Reflect
Do I believe the Lord's promise to stay with me, as weak as I am, to the very end?