February 7
The fifth week of Epiphany
The Great Commission
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
The gospel according to matthew
Matthew 28:16-20
- In this passage, the disciples have arrived at a mountain to which Jesus directed them. Where else have the disciples met Jesus? Take a few minutes to write down several events the disciples have experienced with Jesus. What might they be remembering as they make their way to this mountain? What might they expect from Jesus?
- When they arrive at the mountain and see Jesus, some worship him. Take a moment to worship Jesus as they did. They witnessed his death and now he stands before them alive. Praise God!
- Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth have been given to me.” What authority of Jesus have the disciples witnessed? As the disciples receive instructions from Jesus, what authority do they have as they go? They have shared in Jesus’ life and now Jesus invites them to share in his mission. Take a moment to reflect on how this is true for you. In what ways has Jesus invited you to share in his life? Name one way you can go and make disciples.
visio divina
The Ascension by John Singleton Copley, circa 1775, oil on canvas, 32”x 28.7”
What are you most drawn to in this image?
How are your emotions stirred by it?
Ask the Lord to increase your holy desires.
American artist John Singleton Copley depicts Jesus’ Ascension after the Great Commission. Consider the back story: the eleven disciples, Mary–his mother, Mary Magdalene, and others have experienced the resurrection and gained a fuller grasp of Jesus’ messiahship and kingdom of life. They have just heard his “Great Commission” to make disciples of all nations (Mt. 28:19).
Imagine yourself here as one of the disciples witnessing Jesus’ ascent. How would you feel and think? With which posture in the painting would you identify?
Look at the various colors of fabric Copley used to distinguish the disciples. Think of the different colors that comprise the flags of nations. Which color grabs your attention? Which nation comes to your mind when Jesus gives this commission? Why?
When Copley painted in the late eighteenth century, it was the eve of both the American and French Revolutions. His work reflects this tumultuous global news.
Gaze at the billowing clouds. Like the light piercing the clouds, how does Christ’s light pierce the nations?
National borders may change throughout history, but Jesus calls us to make disciples of all peoples. One day we will celebrate our many cultures and languages as we worship the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Take a moment to pray for the light of Christ to shine in our nation. Offer yourself to the Lord to reach the nations among the people around you.
Settling and Noticing (eyes open) – 2 minutes
- Take a few deep breaths. Settle into this present moment. Open your heart to God.
- Explore all of the details, colors, movements, and shapes in the image. Then focus more intently on a single aspect of the larger image.
Savoring and Pondering (eyes closed) – 1 minute
- Staying with the part of the image you are drawn to, close your eyes, and recreate or visualize that aspect of the image in your mind’s eye.
- While your eyes are still closed, notice any images, feelings, thoughts or memories from your life that might arise in association with this image
Conclusion (eyes opened or closed) – 2 minutes
- How does the image and your response to it meet you at this particular moment of your life?
- Have a little conversation with God about whatever has arisen in your heart during this exercise. You might find it helpful to write down what happened as you prayed with this image.
Musical Devotion
Worship
One Mediator (Cameron Keith)
Classical
Ascension Oratorio, BWV 11 (Bach)
