Jesus' First and Last Ministry Words
“Follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”
Matthew 4:19 (NLT)
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.
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.
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.
The Great Commission
“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)
Some of the very last words of Jesus before he returned to heaven
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 agent!
First Ministry Words
“Follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”
Matthew 4:19 (NLT)
Jesus called ordinary fishermen and immediately tied discipleship to reaching others.
Last Ministry Words
“Go and make disciples of all nations.”
Matthew 28:19 (NIV)
Jesus concluded his earthly ministry with the same call — go, share, and make disciples.
Is anyone going to be in heaven because of you?
Have you ever led anybody to faith in Christ? Follow the first and last words of Jesus, and people will one day say to you in heaven, "Thank you! I'm in heaven today because of you."
You Are God's Agent
Jesus authorizes you — with the full weight of "all authority in heaven and on earth" behind you — to go make disciples. You carry his commission wherever you go. That's not a small thing. That's the greatest purpose a human being can have.