I Am With You Always
The Promise That Sends Us Out — Devotion 9 of 12
Matthew 28:18–20 — “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”
Opening Reflection
The disciples gathered on a mountain in Galilee to meet the risen Jesus. Matthew tells us, honestly, that “when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted” (Matthew 28:17). It was to this mixed, imperfect group that Jesus gave the greatest assignment in history. He did not wait until they were bold, polished, or fully confident. He sent them with a command, and He surrounded that command with a promise.
Taking a Devotional View
The Great Commission is framed by two great truths. It begins with authority: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” The mission does not rest on our ability or our position, but on His. And it ends with presence: “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew’s Gospel opens with the name Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), and it closes with Jesus promising that He will never leave His people. That promise was not only for the eleven. It reaches “to the end of the age,” which means it reaches us.
This promise is the impetus that moves us outward. Jesus’ central command is to “make disciples.” He calls His followers to share the gospel, encourage others to follow Him, baptize them, and teach them to obey His Word. This mission requires intentional obedience, whether in our neighborhoods, workplaces, families, and friendships or wherever He sends us. We do not go alone or in our own strength. Christ’s promise of His presence accompanies His command to make disciples: the authority belongs to Him, and His presence gives us confidence to obey. He also promised, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). Leaning on this promise means taking the next step of obedience even when we feel inadequate: starting a conversation about Christ, inviting someone to church, serving a neighbor in His name, or helping a younger believer grow. And when obedience feels lonely or costly, we remember who walks with us. The One who sends us has promised never to leave us.
Key Thoughts & Takeaways
Key Thoughts
- All authority in heaven and on earth belongs to the risen Christ (Matthew 28:18).
- Jesus commissions His followers to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them (Matthew 28:19–20).
- The promise of His presence extends to the end of the age, including believers today (Matthew 28:20).
- Jesus is Immanuel, God with us, from the beginning of Matthew’s Gospel to its end (Matthew 1:23).
- The Holy Spirit gives believers power to be Christ’s witnesses (Acts 1:8).
Ask Yourself
- Do I tend to wait until I feel confident before I share Christ with others?
- Where in my everyday life is the Lord sending me to make disciples?
- How does knowing that Jesus is with me always give me courage for a step I have been avoiding?
Lord Jesus, all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to You, and You have promised to be with me always. Forgive me for the times I have held back from sharing You because I felt inadequate or afraid. Fill me with Your Spirit and give me courage to go where You send me, in my home, my work, and my friendships. Help me to speak of You, to serve in Your name, and to help others follow You, knowing that You walk with me every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Next in the Series
Fully Convinced — Jesus sends us to make disciples with the assurance of His presence. Next, Abraham’s example will show us what it means to remain fully convinced that God is able to do what He has promised.