Galilee - The Great Commission

Image of grey sky with three crosses in the distance.

The following scripture passage records one of Jesus’ many post-resurrection appearances to his followers, during the 40 days between His resurrection and ascension.

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped 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.’

Matt 28:16-20 (NRSV)

The location of the mountain is unknown. It has been identified possibly as Mount Arbel, near Tiberias on the shores of Lake Galilee. The most significant events in the Bible often took place on mountains, easy to identify but hard to reach perhaps, so the eleven would be alone with Jesus there.

We are told that some disciples doubted the risen Jesus, not just Doubting Thomas. Jesus, by appearing to them on the mountain, was expanding their limited earthly horizons. Do we allow Him to do the same? Do we worship Him as His due, or do we doubt Him still? 

In his speech, Jesus commissions the remaining eleven disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. In Luke 24:44-49 and Acts 1:4-8 they were instructed to remain in Jerusalem until they were clothed with power from on high (at Pentecost).

Similarly, Jesus’ followers today all over the world are commissioned to make disciples in the power of the Holy Spirit as the earliest apostles did, wherever they may be.