By Seyi Gesinde
As the dawn breaks on Easter Monday, we are beckoned to embrace the mandate laid out by our resurrected Saviour, Jesus Christ. His words, spoken with authority in the serene setting of Galilee, resonate with divine purpose and urgency. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Yielding to Jesus’ Great Commission means more than mere obedience; it entails a profound surrender of heart and will to the mission entrusted to us. It requires us to step out in faith, empowered by the assurance of His presence and guided by the wisdom of His teachings.
In yielding to Jesus’ mandate, we are called to embody the love, grace, and mercy that He exemplified during his earthly ministry. It is a commission marked by compassion for the broken, courage in the face of adversity, and unwavering faith in the promise of salvation. As we reflect on the significance of Easter Monday, let us heed the call to go forth boldly, sharing the transformative message of Christ’s resurrection with a world in need of hope and redemption.
His words echo through the ages, transcending time and space, inviting us to participate in the eternal mission of spreading the Gospel to all nations.
ALSO READ: Jesus’ resurrection: Embrace the transformative power of risen Love
The scriptural substance of Easter Monday
After delving into the essence of the Great Commission and our roles as followers of Christ, let’s now explore the scriptural background of Easter Monday, its profound significance, and the consequential events following Jesus’ resurrection as detailed in various passages of the New Testament, including Luke 24:13-35 (NIV). This passage recounts the encounter on the Road to Emmaus, a significant event that occurred on the day of Jesus’ resurrection. Together, these events hold deep spiritual significance and impart valuable lessons for believers.
1. The Resurrection: On Easter Sunday, Jesus rose from the dead, fulfilling the prophecy and demonstrating His victory over sin and death. The resurrection is documented in all four Gospels: Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, and John 20:1-18.
2. The Galilee encounter: One significant event that occurred after Jesus’ resurrection was his appearance to his disciples in Galilee. This encounter is described in Matthew 28:16-20, where Jesus commissions his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. Doubting Thomas: Another well-known event following the resurrection is Jesus’ appearance to Thomas, who initially doubted that Jesus had risen. Jesus invited Thomas to touch his wounds, leading Thomas to declare, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:24-29). This teaches the importance of faith and belief in the resurrection.
4. The Great Commission: Jesus’ commission to His disciples to spread the Gospel message is a central theme following the resurrection. This commission emphasises the call to repentance and the proclamation of forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ (Luke 24:46-49).
5. The Road to Emmaus: In Luke 24:13-35, Jesus appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, explaining to them the significance of his death and resurrection through the Scriptures. This encounter highlights the importance of understanding and interpreting the Scriptures in light of Jesus’ resurrection.
6. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: Before ascending to heaven, Jesus promised his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit to empower them for their mission (Acts 1:4-8). This event, which occurred forty days after the resurrection, marked the beginning of the church age and the continuation of Jesus’ work through his followers.
Lessons
The lessons from these events emphasize the transformative power of Jesus’ resurrection, the importance of faith, repentance, and obedience to his teachings, and the mission of spreading the Gospel to all nations. Easter Monday serves as a reminder for believers to reflect on these truths and to renew their commitment to living out the message of the resurrection in their daily lives.
As we commemorate Easter Monday, let us remember that the celebration is fleeting, but the call to discipleship is enduring. It is not enough to simply acknowledge the resurrection; we must respond to it with wholehearted devotion and obedience. Our faith is not measured by the fervour of our celebrations but by the depth of our commitment to living out the message of Christ’s victory over death.
May Easter Monday serve as a reminder that our greatest joy lies not in the festivities themselves, but in yielding to the call of our risen Savior. Let us embrace this divine mandate with humility and courage, knowing that in doing so, we participate in God’s redemptive plan for the world.
