Jesus Christ, the Son of God, spent about three years with His disciples, teaching and preparing them for His departure. Before He ascended to heaven, Jesus gave specific instructions to His disciples about what they should do next. Let’s take a look at these instructions in detail.
Go and Make Disciples
Jesus’ first instruction to His disciples was to continue His mission of making disciples of all nations. He said,
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
This instruction is also known as the Great Commission. Jesus wanted His disciples to spread His message and teachings throughout the world and bring people closer to God.
Wait for the Holy Spirit
Jesus also instructed His disciples not to leave Jerusalem until they received power from on high. He said,
“But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49)
This power referred to the Holy Spirit that would come upon them on the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit would guide them in their mission and enable them to preach boldly.
Be Witnesses
Another instruction that Jesus gave was for His disciples to be witnesses for Him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. He said,
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
The word witness means someone who testifies about something they have seen or heard. Jesus wanted His disciples to testify about Him, His teachings, and the miracles He had performed.
Love One Another
Jesus also emphasized the importance of love among His disciples. He said,
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Love was to be the distinguishing factor that would set apart His disciples from the rest of the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus gave clear instructions to His disciples before He ascended to heaven. He commissioned them to continue His work of making disciples, wait for the Holy Spirit, be witnesses for Him, and love one another.
These instructions were not just for His disciples but also for all who follow Him today. As we go out into the world and share the good news of Jesus Christ, may we remember these instructions and strive to follow them faithfully.