Your Role in God’s Big Picture
March 6, 2022
Text: Matthew 28:16-20 “But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
This is commonly known as “The Great Commission.” And this is God’s Big Picture.
We live in a world that desperately needs Jesus. Aren’t you glad you know Jesus? I am.
1. Remember who the Star is. “All power or all authority has been given Me.”
God the Father chose to make Jesus the “Star” of the Godhead.
- Philippians 2:9-11 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
- Focusing on promoting Jesus instead of politics or Christian values will give the church “greater” unity, not “perfect” unity, because as long as we are in these bodies there will be conflict in the church. Just as there was conflict from the very beginning.
- But if we remember who the Star is and that it is our job to promote Him, how much better would be the church’s testimony.
2. Play your part with all your heart. “Make disciples by teaching them what I’ve taught you.”
Make disciples. Not clones. Teach them what I’ve taught you but don’t try to make them like you.
Romans 14:4 puts it like this: “Who are you to judge the servant of another.”
Mark chapter 5 gives the account of the man possessed by a legion of demons whom Jesus healed. It says as Jesus and the disciples were about to leave, he begged to go with them. But Jesus said “No” go to your family and tell them what God has done for you. That’s how he partnered.
(Acts 16) Lydia’s home became the meeting place for the church in Philippi. That’s how she partnered.
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15)
Be ready to share with everyone who asks you, for everyone who asks you.
3. Don’t forget the cast party. “Lo, I am with you even til the end of the age.”
With us unseen but ever-present.
But one day, the end of the age will come and we will see Him face-to-face. The same Jesus we read about in the Scriptures who is far more than what the Scriptures reveal.
When the Father says that’s a wrap, all the cast will gather. The dead cast members will rise first then all of us will be caught up in the heavens and we will forever be with the Lord.
This month I would like us all to pray that God would give each of us a clearer understanding of the unique role He has for each of us in our partnership in leading others to Himself.
What is your role in God’s Big Picture? Your role in the Great Commission is uniquely Yours.
About two weeks ago, I started reflecting on my life…thinking about all the past successes, mistakes, decisions, and my relationships with people who have impacted (both positively and negatively) my life. In short, everyone and everything responsible for shaping and contributing to my spiritual development. As I was reflecting on my life, I started talking to the Lord as if He was sitting in a chair next to me. I told Him, “you know Jesus, the cross you ask me to carry is impossible for me (alone) to carry. But, of course, You know that. I need You to shoulder the burden every step of the way because my strength is too small and too inadequate to do what You ask of me. I gave up everything I held dear to be Your disciple…family, friends, career goals and I would do it again in a heartbeat because to live and be in Your presence (even for a moment) dwarfs everything else in this life.” Then the Lord spoke to me. Not in audible words but by impressing His thoughts upon my inner man. He said “Clinton, you are much beloved by Me. You come willingly to Me and without reservation, holding nothing back. For you to bear fruit, I humbled you so that you could bring forth more fruit and in greater abundance.” You know I love you and I know you love Me. Therefore, I freely share My thoughts with you and make known what I desire of you. Yes, I hear you cry out when you stumble and fall. I lifted the burden and you regained your footing.” You entered into My rest. Now, listen and understand what I want you to do.”