Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
– Matthew 28:16-20
The last promise from Jesus before Matthew finishes writing his Gospel is a word from Jesus. It’s as if Jesus already began his walk back to the Father and he turns around to remind his friends “Guys, remember, I am with you always.” I don’t know about you, but I’m really glad those are his final words to us. As Mahalia Jackson used to sing “I want Jesus to walk with me.” Life can be confusing, but Jesus does indeed walk with us at all times.
In confusing political times, Jesus says to us “I’m right here with you.”
On the return home from General Synod, Jesus says to us “I’m right here with you.”
In times when family tensions are high, Jesus says to us “I’m right here with you.”
In the doctor’s office when we receive hard news, Jesus says to us “I’m right here with you.”
When a new baby is born and our family expands, Jesus says to us “I’m right here with you.”
When we gather at church to sing and pray, Jesus says to us “I’m right here with you.”
When it feels like we are alone and we wonder where hope is, Jesus says to us “My friend, I’m right here with you. Remember that.”
Remember, Reformed friends, Jesus is always with you, to the end of the age.
