Chapter 86—Go Teach All Nations
This chapter is based on
Matthew 28:16-20
.
Standing but a step from His heavenly throne, Christ gave the
commission to His disciples. “All power is given unto Me in heaven
and in earth,” He said. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.” “Go
ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
Mark
16:15
. Again and again the words were repeated, that the disciples
might grasp their significance. Upon all the inhabitants of the earth,
high and low, rich and poor, was the light of heaven to shine in clear,
strong rays. The disciples were to be colaborers with their Redeemer
in the work of saving the world.
The commission had been given to the twelve when Christ met
with them in the upper chamber; but it was now to be given to a larger
number. At the meeting on a mountain in Galilee, all the believers
who could be called together were assembled. Of this meeting Christ
Himself, before His death, had designated the time and place. The
angel at the tomb reminded the disciples of His promise to meet them in
Galilee. The promise was repeated to the believers who were gathered
at Jerusalem during the Passover week, and through them it reached
many lonely ones who were mourning the death of their Lord. With
intense interest all looked forward to the interview. They made their
way to the place of meeting by circuitous routes, coming in from every
direction, to avoid exciting the suspicion of the jealous Jews. With
wondering hearts they came, talking earnestly together of the news
that had reached them concerning Christ.
At the time appointed, about five hundred believers were collected
in little knots on the mountainside, eager to learn all that could be
learned from those who had seen Christ since His resurrection. From
[819]
group to group the disciples passed, telling all they had seen and heard
of Jesus, and reasoning from the Scriptures as He had done with them.
Thomas recounted the story of his unbelief, and told how his doubts
had been swept away. Suddenly Jesus stood among them. No one
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