We are going to take another passage today and look at it not only through the lens of baptism, but the lens of faith.

The words we are looking at in Matthew 28 are the last words of the gospel of Matthew. According to Matthew these are the last words of Jesus to his disciples. What do you notice?

Matthew 28:19-20- 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Jesus’ words are an invitation to action. Notice that faith is an active reality, not a passive belief. Jesus says go, make disciples, baptize, teach and obey with the covering of God’s presence with us.

One of the realities of baptism is that baptism is a response of obedience, we are doing something that Jesus commands us to do. But I would argue this entire passage is an invitation to do something. Are we going or are we staying comfortable in our “churches”?
Think about it in a simple way. Have you ever got a new car to you? Doesn’t have to be brand new off the lot, you can purchase it off Facebook Marketplace or a newspaper ad or a friend, but it’s new to you. Now you have this “new to you” car, do you park it in the garage, driveway, and on the road and never use it? It just stays parked, sure you have a “new to you” car, but it doesn’t GO anywhere.

Having a faith and not obeying God’s command to GO, is the similar picture. When God says “go” and make disciples, he is saying “go” and make a difference in people’s lives, go do “disciple” things. Go and love, forgive, serve, teach, challenge, be generous. All the while knowing that God’s presence is with you as you go.

Today, are you parked in your faith life? Or are you willing to go, go and love, forgive, serve, teach, challenge, be generous with others around you, not just your “safe people.”