"Go And..."

Jesus, told us to “Go and teach all nations”, but how can we?

As Christians brought and saved by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we have been chosen to participate in God’s ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). This includes sharing a testimony, participating in community, etc. In the Bible, there are four instances where Jesus gives a miracle, healing, or teaching, and then encourages His people to “Go and…”. Since the assignment comes after the experience, there is even more faith and boldness to “Go and…”

Let’s read about them…

Go and Evangelize

Matthew 28:19-20 KJV

           In this scripture, the miracle that occurred was the biggest one of all: Jesus’ resurrection! After the disciples witness an empty grave and living Jesus, He charges them with a mission, what we call The Great Commission:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…”

Here, Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice and greatest miracle set the foundation for the greatest calling: telling others about the Good News! When we share about how good God has been, or talk about a miraculous situation, or simply show kindness, we are telling people about Jesus. And when people come to us to inquire more, we should always be ready to talk about Him in a way that is welcoming and gracious, not arrogant and judgmental (1 Peter 3:15). We are assigned to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ wherever we go, and believing in His life, death, and resurrection is what gives us boldness to do it!

Go and Be Healed/Live

Mark 5:34-42 KJV

            This is the healing of the woman with an issue of blood, and of Jairus’ daughter from death by Jesus. The woman is told by Jesus,

“Go in peace, and be healed…”

When Jairus’ daughter is brought back to life, Jesus tells her parents to give her something to eat, because she has started living again. Sometimes, Jesus will call us to rest in our healed bodies, healed hearts, and to start living again. Jesus Himself says He wants to give us abundant life, and one way to experience that life is to remember what you were healed from! And in our healing and new life, is the testimony to give others about Jesus. See how it’s all tying in?

Go and Love Your Neighbor

Luke 10:37 KJV

            This verse comes after the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus expounds to a lawyer and the masses that no matter where someone is from or how they look, they are your neighbor worthy of God’s love and service. Then Jesus tells the lawyer to do the same as the Samaritan:

“‘He that showed mercy’…Go and do likewise…”

Jesus explains through the parable that sometimes the people you expect to help are the ones who don’t—and sometimes add on to your pain. But you’ll know a true neighbor when they do all they can to help you, and you should act the same (Matthew 7:12). Loving your neighbor is something that we can all participate in and is a key indicator of how we follow Jesus.

Go and Sin No More/Be Free

John 8:11; 36 KJV

  One of the most significant, arguable miracles that Jesus performs is literally saving a woman’s life. After a single woman is preyed upon by the scribes and Pharisees to receive a stoning—a death sentence, Jesus confronts the men and challenges them. When they leave, Jesus is left with the woman. After he saves her from stoning, he tells her one thing:

            “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”

            Two things are happening here. Jesus not only saves this woman from a public execution, but he also pardons all her sins. She is now free and charged to not sin anymore. Later in the chapter, Jesus explains in His teachings:

            “If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.”

            The whole reason for Jesus’ ministry was to save God’s people from eternal sin. Jesus has performed many miracles that point to this, but the miracle of the woman caught in adultery is the tell-all. He literally saves and redeems this woman in public, and charges her to live in her newfound freedom. Just like He does for us. And although all have sinned, we are still able to return to God, repent, and live in our freedom.

We are free always, because Jesus took our sins and died on a cross.

We are free always, because God says we are.

We are free always.

So, when you get your next miracle, healing, revelation, or anything that tells you God was here, use it to understand what He is telling you to do next. Maybe you are being told to “Go and…”. And whatever you do according to God’s will, it will be special, and it will show others the goodness and grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

-Sherry Amor