Go...

Pete Kersker - Nov 10, 2025

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go..." (Matthew 28:18-19a NIV).

Over the last several weeks, we've been looking at the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and asking the question, "What did Jesus do to prepare them to go?" We've learned that Jesus invited them to learn how to "fish for people," involved them in ministry (service), empowered them with the Holy Spirit, and equipped them with specific instructions. Now, we will examine some of the many times Jesus encouraged them to go.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed (Mark 1:35 NIV).

The word "encourage" is used in two different senses in the New Testament. In one sense, we celebrate a positive quality about someone. Often times, this comes after they did something good. This "encouragement" is given as a gift, to build up their self-esteem and help them see their self-worth.

Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!" (Mark 1:36-37 NIV).

There's another way that the word "encourage" is used in the New Testament. This Greek word can also be translated "spur" or "provoke." This kind of "encouragement" urges someone forward, trying to get them to do something (like taking a step). This is the kind of encouragement Jesus gives when he tells someone to "go."

Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else--to the nearby villages--so I can preach there also. That is why I have come" (Mark 1:38 NIV).

Jesus often encouraged people to "go" and do something, urging them forward in their walk together with God. Sometimes he encouraged them not to go, or to go in a different direction than they expected. (Look at the passage above as an example.) In any case, it is clear that the Great Commission was not the first time that they heard Jesus encourage them to "go."

So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons (Mark 1:39 NIV).

Can you think of times when Jesus encouraged his disciples (students) to "go"?
How about others? Did Jesus encourage others to "go"?