Day 16: Kingdom Mission: The Great Commission - 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting
Sent by the King
Welcome to Day 16 of our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Over the last few days we have looked at what the Kingdom does inside us and between us. Today we look outwards.
After His resurrection, Jesus met His disciples on a mountain in Galilee and said:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising 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.” Matthew 28:19–20 (NIV)
What Jesus Asked For
It Starts with His Authority
The sentence begins with “therefore”. Just before it, Jesus said that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). We do not go on our own initiative or in our own name. We are sent by the One who has the right to send.
Disciples, Not Only Decisions
Jesus did not ask for a crowd. He asked for disciples: people who follow Him, are baptised and learn to live the way He taught. That takes time, friendship and patience. It is why the church exists.
All Nations
The good news was never meant for one people or one postcode. For a church called All Nations, this verse is close to home. Many of us are here because somebody once carried the gospel a long way.
How the Message Travels
Paul asks a simple chain of questions. How can people call on the One they have not believed in? How can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone telling them (Romans 10:14–15)?
God could have written the gospel across the sky. He chose to send it through people. That includes people who feel unqualified, which is most of us.
When Isaiah heard the Lord ask, “Whom shall I send?”, he did not offer a list of his abilities. He said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8). Being available matters more than being impressive.
We Do Not Go Alone
The commission ends with a promise: “I am with you always.” And before He ascended, Jesus told His disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came on them, and that they would be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). The task is too big for us. It was never meant to be done without Him.
Three Steps for Today
Write three names. Think of three people in your life who do not yet know Jesus. Write their names down and pray for each one by name today.
Tell your story. Could you say in two minutes what Jesus has done for you? Think it through, so that you are ready when someone asks.
Take one step. Invite someone for a coffee, to a Sunday service or to a Life Group. Leave the results with God.
As you fast today, let your hunger remind you of people who are hungry for hope and do not yet know where to find it.
Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, all authority belongs to You, and You have sent us. Forgive me for the times I have stayed silent out of fear. Give me Your love for the people around me who do not know You. I bring You the names on my heart today. Open their eyes, and open my mouth at the right moment. Here I am. Send me. In Your name, Amen.
Keep going
See every day of this guide on our Prayer & Fasting page.
Let us pray with you: send a prayer request.
Join one of our prayer meetings.
