Go? Stay?

Pete Kersker - Jan 12, 2026

Last year we learned everything that Jesus said, taught and commanded. That's because we are Jesus' disciples (students) who are learning from him. This year, we will focus on a different part of the Great Commission and learn how to go make more disciples (students) who follow him.

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing 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 28:18-20 NIV).

This statement at the end of Matthew's gospel is so often read, quoted, and preached from that it has it's own name: The Great Commission. It motivates us to go out to the people around us to baptize and teach them, trusting that Jesus is with us every step of the way. This excitement and anticipation that builds up in us quickly turns to confusion, though, when we read what happens at the end of Luke's account.

When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God (Luke 24:50-53 NIV).

Did you know that Matthew and Luke's gospels end in different ways?
Do you think Jesus really told them to "go and make disciples"?
Were they disobeying Jesus when they went back to Jerusalem and stayed?