マタイによる福音書28:16-20 Matthew 28:16-20

Jesus, who died on the cross for our salvation, was resurrected on the third day. He was resurrected in a body of eternal life, which will never die again. On the morning of the day of Jesus’ resurrection, an angel said, “He is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you (Mark 16:7).” True to his word, the disciples were able to meet the resurrected Jesus on the banks of a lake called Lake Galilee. They also met Jesus on the mountain he had directed them to go, as described in today’s Bible passages.

At that time, Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This means that he has received from God the power to rule the whole world and the whole universe. Jesus rules over the whole world and the whole universe, just as a king rules over a kingdom. That is why he commanded, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” A “disciple” is someone who believes in him and lives according to his teachings. Jesus commanded his first disciples to tell about him, so that from all the peoples of the world there would be people who would believe in him and live according to his teachings.

When a person became a new disciple of Jesus, there is a visible sign. That is baptism. Jesus commanded his disciples to “baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” “The Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” means God the Father, who is the Creator of the whole world and the whole universe; Jesus, his Son; and God the Holy Spirit, who is from God the Father and Jesus. God is one, but he has three names: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is called the Trinity. And to “baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” means that the baptized person is connected to the Triune God – God the Father, Jesus and God the Holy Spirit. The baptized person is forgiven of sins by Jesus’ grace, reconciled to God the Father, and cleansed and guided by God the Holy Spirit. They are then transformed so that they can do what Jesus has commanded them to do. So Jesus also said: “Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you.” “All that I have commanded you” can be summarised as loving God and your neighbour.

After saying these things, Jesus said, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” After his resurrection, Jesus remained on earth for a while but eventually ascended to heaven. He went beyond this world. However, this did not mean that he lost his fellowship with his disciples. Jesus is watching over those who believe in him from heaven.

From April, you have advanced class or school and may walk with a feeling of uncertainty. But Jesus is always watching over you and sending the Holy Spirit to guide you. So, let’s always trust in Jesus and live according to his teachings.