OCTOBER 16 – SENDING IS PART OF TEACHING

 (It is my role to send you) so, go, replicate yourselves as followers of me among all people, then baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to do all I’ve taught you, and I’ll be with you until the work is completed. (Matthew 28:19-20)

                  Do you understand that part of your role; and part of the reason you have been given the authority God has given you, is to send your people out? Part of the work is to teach them to live in community, and to embrace the vision and values that the Lord has given you. But completing replication – their transformation – will mean that they too must relate to God directly. Each of them must find and pursue the unique vision Jesus has for them.

                   Jesus explained that He had been given the authority to send them. He says directly, “You are to go.” There was a three-fold, consistent message here. First – replicate – go and make them like you in that they will follow Me. Then, walk with them so you can teach them all I taught you. Finally, stay with them; be there for them to mentor them in how to trust in Me, knowing I will also always be there.

                   Sending is an important part of teaching. Kind of like a mid-term exam, sending causes you as a student-follower and leader to put all of what you are learning into action.