Matthew 28: 16-20 NLT The Great Commission 16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach 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.” According to an article on childrenshospital.org- Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a condition that causes a child to feel intense worry and fear at the prospect of being away from family members, other people, and even places (most commonly home) that he cares about...Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental, emotional and behavioral problems affecting children. About 13 out of every 100 children ages 9 to 17 years old experience some kind of anxiety disorder, such as separation anxiety disorder. Approximately 4% of children suffer from separation anxiety disorder. read more: www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/s/separation-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-and-causes
Anxiety is not something unique to children. Adults experience it as well. There are various reasons both children and adults feel anxiety; trauma is one of them. Consider the trauma that the disciples endured watching Jesus being arrested, tried, and executed. It must have profoundly impacted them. I would imagine their ability to trust was affected as well. Although Jesus told them on at least three different occasions what will happen to Him, they still were caught off guard when it did. The disciples doubted when the women came and told them that Jesus was alive, but they made the 70-mile journey from Jerusalem back to Galilee by faith. Could you even imagine that long walk? What did they talk about? Did they talk at all? The Bible doesn't give us these details but put yourself in their place and picture that walk. What Jesus says to them is essential in understanding how their faith in Him was reestablished and strengthened. Thus, the first two have their foundation in something established or firm, and the third is something that is and will continue to be. The first is that Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. He says, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Before He gives His disciples their marching orders, Jesus reminds them that their authority comes from His absolute authority. Jesus sent them before with authority and power. How much more now after His resurrection will they trust He has it to give to them. This is very important because He may have seemed helpless to them as He was crucified, although He was not. Remember Jesus gave His life. No one took it from Him. Knowing Jesus has all authority would reassure them that He is in absolute control. Next is the charge He gives the disciples, "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you." The charge is to make disciples. They are not to make up new teachings but instead pass on what Jesus taught them. Finally, His promises His presence. "And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Knowing that they have Jesus' power (authority), purpose (make disciples-teach), and presence would have given them all they need. Their faith in Him would be reestablished and strengthened for the task ahead. If you are a believer and find yourself discouraged or anxious because things are not going the way you thought they would, these words of Jesus are for you as well. Jesus doesn't just encourage them. He gives them His power, purpose, and presence to move ahead with all they need. So may His words do the same for you. That's Good News! Have a great day, Loved Ones, and God bless you real good!
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