Go...with Jesus

Pete Kersker - Nov 14, 2025

Jesus encouraged his disciples (students) to "go" many times before giving them the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Sometimes, he encouraged them to go do something just because it was good, right, and would make them holy (set apart with God). Other times he encouraged them to invite more people and keep them together. Always, though, Jesus encouraged them to go with him.

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me" (Matthew 19:21 NIV).

Jesus was starting to build his church: a gathering or assembly of people who want to be close to Jesus. They needed let go of their old ways of living, comforts, and even habits to follow him. Jesus encouraged them to follow him because he was the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ) who was sent from the Father (God, the LORD) to rule as King of all kings and Lord of all lords. This is a great reason to go with Jesus.

"Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me” (Matthew 21:2b).

Jesus went into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey to fulfill one of the many prophecies about the Messiah (Christ). He encouraged them to follow him so they would have life, abundantly and eternally. Jesus encourages us to go with him for the same reasons today.

He replied, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house'" (Matthew 26:18 NIV).

Jesus has a special Passover meal with twelve of his disciples (students) whom he had trained to go out as apostles (sent ones). In it, Jesus used that meal to describe what would happen when he went to his death on the cross. He would take our place so we could be forgiven for our rebellion and live. Jesus died so we would live. This is another reason for us to go with Jesus.

Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me" (Matthew 28:10 NIV).

Perhaps the most important reason to go with Jesus, though, is that Jesus offers to go with us, too. Our Savior, Lord, and King didn't only die, rise from the dead, and take his place at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Jesus also offers to go everywhere with you and me. He is ready to help us, every moment of every day, until the day we get to see him. So, now, what are you waiting for? Go, and enjoy the rest of your day with Jesus.

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20b NIV).

Will your day be different as you go with Jesus? How?