Matthew 28:16-20: The God who is always with us
16Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
18Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (NLT)
Devotional
It’s a well-known passage, but why is it in the lectionary readings for this coming week? Its significance lies in the reference to what we know as the Holy Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – and the Sunday after Pentecost is known as Trinity Sunday.
Certainly the term ‘trinity’ does not occur in the Bible, but the concept of the God who is three yet one permeates our Bible. From Genesis 1:26 where God says “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness” to John 1:1 where it is stated that Jesus (the Word) existed from the beginning and was co-creator with the Father, to the references to the Spirit of God being upon people, and culminating with the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) – the Trinitarian God we believe in has always been with us.
In this passage the disciples are commanded to go and make disciples everywhere. And they are to baptise in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This is the God who has created us, who has saved us, who has empowered and equipped us. Matthew’s Gospel ends with the powerful words that our God will never desert us – no matter what happens. This Trinitarian God, who has been faithful throughout the ages, is still faithful today no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in. “Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Prayer
Our God, thank you for the mystery of the trinity. Help us today to reflect on the different aspects of your work in the world and in our lives. Thank you God that you are creator, sustainer, teacher, healer, saviour, equipper, empowerer – and so much more. Help us to never forget that you have always been with us, are currently with us, and will always be with us no matter what happens. Thank you that you are our God and will not let us go. Amen.
Rev Pamela Reed, Registrar & Student Support Tutor