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In touch

Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues.

Go therefore and make disciples

Context

In the recent council elections, Reform and the Green Party made many gains and won a considerable number of seats on councils. But since that happened, many news stories have come to light about some newly elected councillors immediately resigning. Some have said they have personal matters to attend to whilst others have been suspended, disqualified or expelled by their party for offensive social media posts or bad behaviour. One new councillor in Kirklees said that she did not understand what an amendment was, or what standing orders are, or indeed any of the business of running a council at all.

It turns out that not all people are fit, or indeed really willing, to serve their communities. When push comes to shove, responsibility and service, and even basic understanding of the role, can be lacking.

 

Reflection

Jesus has some important things to say about responsibility and service. When he calls people to follow him, he means with complete dedication. For example:

To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’  But Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’’ (Luke 9:59-62)

In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20), the risen Jesus entrusts his chosen with the task of spreading the Good News to all nations. It is a task filled with both joy and danger. It is not for the uncommitted, or those, who say ‘yes, but..’  or ‘later’.

And today, Jesus votes for us? Will we serve faithfully?

 

Ideas for a sermon, talk or conversation

What does it mean to accept a commission or an invitation to serve? What does it take to step up and serve on a local council, or in any other representative and serving role?

Jesus calls each of us to spread the Gospel. He stresses the cost of discipleship and the need not to be distracted or less than wholeheartedly committed to bringing the Good News to others. But, with Jesus, we never need to resign because we feel unsupported, unequipped or lost. He is with us to the end.

 

Questions for discussion

• How can we, as Christians, support and help those elected to serve in local government?
• What do you think people today understand by ‘service’?
• How does our faith inspire us and equip us for the Great Commission laid upon us?

Dr Anne Richards is part of the National Public Policy Team at the Church of England, focusing on modern society, popular culture, contemporary spirituality and apologetics (see Deeper into God and Spiritual Journeys).

 

Check-in

Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people

In 2 weeks’ time the 2026 Men's World Cup kicks off in Mexico, and huge numbers will tune in to watch their country’s matches. This week a new series started on BBC: Dear England is a dramatization of Gary Southgate and his transformative management of England men’s football team through two world cups and more. Southgate is considered as a top England manager, and credited with turning around a squad in defeat. He recognised that talented players were struggling with fear and doubts, especially with the huge backlash of hatred unleashed at players who made mistakes. Together with a psychologist they encouraged players to recognize fears, but to accept that they can make mistakes and always be a valued part of the team. Southgate would send out his players empowered with freedom to use their unique giftings, trusting in him and each other.

Matthew’s passage describes Jesus sending out his disciples to make disciples in all nations. We can imagine that the disciples would also have struggled with fears over speaking about Jesus to strangers, and with the anticipated mistakes and rejections. But the pivotal difference here is that Jesus promises his constant presence for all time. It is mind-blowing that they, and we, are never alone. The Holy Spirit equips us with the words, courage, and love we need. With that assurance, we are free to build God’s kingdom in ways that are personal, creative, and full of possibility.

In the football drama, the psychologist quotes “you are not alone, an invisible thread links you all - connecting”. As Christians, we can also trust that even when we don’t get it right, we are connected to a loving God, who desires everyone to know that love and relationship.

 

Questions for discussion

• Jesus asks his followers to baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Why do you think Jesus emphasised the Trinity in this commission?
• Discuss a scenario where you are with someone who does not know Jesus, and how you might share what your faith means to you.

 

Dr Angela Mak is a Licensed Lay Minister in the Holy Trinity Shaw Church in West Swindon. She is also a Tutor on the Licensed Lay Ministry Formation course in the Bristol Diocese, a school’s worker, and retired biology teacher.

 

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