Co-Mission
READ
When we hear "Great Commission," our minds often jump to exotic missionary adventures or grand evangelistic crusades. But what if we've been thinking about this all wrong? What if this isn't primarily about crossing oceans, but about crossing the street to our neighbor's house?
Let’s take a moment to read Matthew 28:18-20:
"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
REFLECT
The word "commission" literally means "co-mission" – a shared purpose, a mission we undertake together with Jesus. It's not a burden placed on our shoulders, but an invitation to join God in what He's already doing in the world around us. Think about it: Jesus doesn't say "go and convert people." He says "go and make disciples" – help others become students of Jesus and His way of life.
This happens in the ordinary rhythms of our daily lives. "As you go" to work, to the grocery store, to your kid's soccer practice, to coffee with a friend – these are the mission fields. The person checking you out at Target, your coworker struggling with anxiety, your neighbor dealing with a difficult teenager – these are opportunities to live out this co-mission.
But here's the beautiful part: we don't do this alone. Jesus promises His presence "always, to the very end of the age." Every awkward conversation about faith, every small act of kindness, every moment we choose love over judgment – He's right there with us. We're yoked together with Christ for the work He wants to do through ordinary people living ordinary lives in extraordinary ways.
A disciple is simply "a friend and follower of Jesus being trained and empowered by Him to love." That's it. Not perfect people, not biblical scholars, not professional ministers – just ordinary friends of Jesus learning to love like He loves. And as we're being formed into His image, we naturally help others walk with God too.
The Great Commission isn't about having all the answers or being spiritually mature enough to "make disciples." It's about sharing the journey as we go, inviting others to discover what we're discovering about God's love and grace. It's about living so authentically in relationship with Jesus that others become curious about the source of our peace, joy, and hope.
This co-mission transforms how we see our everyday interactions. That difficult conversation with your teenager isn't just parenting – it's discipleship. That lunch with a hurting friend isn't just friendship – it's ministry. That way you treat the person who cuts you off in traffic isn't just character – it's witness.
RESPOND
Take a moment to process what God might be leading you to do in light of what you read.
How does thinking of the Great Commission as "co-mission" change your perspective on sharing faith in your daily life?
Where do you see God already working in your ordinary, everyday relationships and interactions?
REST
Take a moment to rest in God’s presence and consider one thing you can take away from your time reading, then close your devotional experience by praying:
Jesus, thank You that Your commission isn't a burden but an invitation to share in Your mission of love. Help me see the ordinary moments of my life as opportunities to walk with You and help others discover Your love. Give me eyes to see where You're already working and courage to join You there. Amen.