The Great Commission

Today we're going to learn about the Great Commission, which happened after Jesus rose from the dead during Pascha! This is one of the most important moments in our faith. After Jesus conquered death and rose again, He appeared to His disciples many times. One day, Jesus gathered His eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee. Can anyone tell me what they might have felt when they saw their risen Lord? When the disciples saw Jesus, they worshipped Him! Some were still amazed and couldn't believe their eyes. Then Jesus came close to them and said something very important: 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.' This was Jesus giving His disciples their most important mission! He was telling them to go everywhere in the world and tell everyone about God's love. What do you think it means to 'make disciples'? Jesus also promised them something wonderful: 'And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.' This means Jesus would never leave them alone! In our Maronite tradition, we remember that the disciples obeyed Jesus. They traveled far and wide, even to Lebanon and Syria, sharing the Good News. Saint Maron and our early fathers received this same mission. Jesus gives us this same commission today! Even as children, we can share God's love with our friends and families. We can invite others to church, be kind to everyone, and tell others about Jesus. Remember: Jesus rose from the dead so that everyone in the world could know God's love, and He wants us to help share that amazing news!