Devotion for March 8, 2026

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:18-19, NIV)

One thing is made very clear in Scripture: God wants you to tell people the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. In fact, some of the first and last recorded words of Jesus were about sharing the hope you have in Him.

In Matthew 4:19, at the beginning of His ministry, Jesus gathered a small group of fishermen — just ordinary people — and said, “Follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” (NLT) These were some of the very first words Jesus spoke to His followers.

Do you see Jesus’ logic in that verse? When we follow Him, He teaches us to care about helping others come to know Him too. That’s part of what it looks like to belong to God’s family, bringing other people into His family with you.

Later in the book of Matthew, Jesus talked again about reaching others with the Good News. This passage is called the Great Commission. Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:18-19, NIV). These were some of the very last words of Jesus before He went back to heaven.

Why does Jesus have “all authority in heaven and on earth”? Because He created the universe, so He’s been given all authority over it. Jesus authorizes you to go make disciples. This means you are God’s light, aroma, ambassador, His letter for others (all in Paul’s letters).

Some of the first and last recorded words of Jesus were about pointing people to Him. What does this tell you about God’s desire to grow His family?

Only one family exists in eternal life; believers from all tribes, all languages, all nations gathered at His throne. What a family reunion!

Prayer

Father, I thank You for the blessings You have given me this day. I pray for the chance to touch another life to tell them, to show them, Your love for them and offer to them Your free and eternal gift of salvation.