Holy Trinity Sunday (GA)

Matthew 28:16-20

¹⁶ Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. ¹⁷ And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. ¹⁸ And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ 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, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

I have often wondered why we do not have this text every Trinity Sunday. This is the only passage in scripture where the name of God is officially stated as, “the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” There are many other great passages that put these three persons together in one divine being, namely the Trinity.

This text has a pretty straightforward point. Jesus has told his eleven disciples to make more disciples. I will point out to you as more and more people are learning that there is one main verb: make disciples. This is the task given to the “disciples.” Thus, they are going to make more people who then are going to be taught “to observe all that I have commanded you.” This teaching would most likely include this command to “make disciples.”

Every Christian in the world has a duty to spread the Word of God. They have a responsibility to confess their faith before their family, neighbors, friends, country, and world. There are many other places in scripture where you can find this admonition. The problem is that how often do you shy from your responsibility.

When you are walking down the street to do shy away from telling people what you believe? When you are standing around the drinking fountain do you teach other people about the love of Christ? How much time do you spend talking about playoff hockey or Basketball verses forgiveness in Jesus Christ?

I will confess my shortcomings. I do not always proclaim, shout my faith, or attempt to make disciples. I have failed in thought word and deed. But even as a failing disciple of Christ, I cling to the cross. I confess my shortcomings to you and to God my Father and Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit calls me by the gospel, telling me I am forgiven. The Son spills his own blood and washes me in my baptism. The Father does not see a poor miserable sinner but a redeemed child clothed in his own Son, Jesus Christ.

This is what I have been taught and now pass on to you.