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,b 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.” (Matt 28:18-20)

   These were some of the final words Jesus spoke to His disciples before ascending to Heaven.  He wanted them to know that just because Jesus completed His mission on Earth didn't mean that their work was done.  As a matter of fact, the work of the disciples was just beginning.  Jesus had spent three years with these men shaping and preparing them for this very moment.  These men saw Jesus heal the sick, raise the dead, calm the raging seas, and teaching with authority that no one had ever asserted before.  

    Jesus, in His speech known as the great commission, was telling His disciples that they now had this very same power, and they were to use it, not to wow people, not to gain popularity, but to reach with the Gospel.  All of these miracles were preformed to bring Glory to the Father and lead people to the only source of eternal life, Jesus.

    This commission, however, was not only for His disciples or the people in the first century, but those words are meant for all those who call Jesus, Lord.  In my experience some Christians have made it seem as if giving their life to Christ and being granted eternal life is the end all be all.  Just as it was for the disciples it is for us, our work is not over once we are adopted into the family of God, it is just beginning.  We are being sent out into the world to proclaim that Jesus is King, and that there is only one sacrifice that can cover our sins.  We are given power and authority to take this good news and share it with our family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and even our enemies.  We are to be about kingdom work and we are to be "People of the Good News" until our king returns for His people.