How can we apply "go to My brothers" in our evangelism efforts today? Setting the Scene: Resurrection Morning “Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to My brothers and tell them that I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.’ ” (John 20:17) What Jesus Commanded: “Go to My brothers” • “Go” – an active, intentional movement; not passive waiting • “My brothers” – the disciples, newly addressed as family because His redemptive work is accomplished (cf. Hebrews 2:11; 1 John 3:1) • “Tell them” – carry the news of His resurrection and coming ascension Who Are “My Brothers” Today? • Fellow Christians who need continual gospel encouragement • Those who will become brothers and sisters when they hear and believe (Acts 18:10) • People from “every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9) Practical Ways to “Go” in Our Evangelism • Share resurrection hope in everyday conversation—meals, workplaces, social media • Initiate regular contact: texts, calls, visits, small-group invitations • Prioritize new believers: help them grasp their adoption, identity, and mission • Engage unreached communities: local campuses, apartments, hobby circles • Support and participate in global missions trips, church plants, and Bible translation projects • Equip children and teens to carry the message to their peers The Message We Carry • Christ is risen: “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen!” (Luke 24:5-6) • Adoption offered: “To all who received Him, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12) • Assurance of access: “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…” (Hebrews 10:19) Motivations for Going • Christ’s commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19-20) • Love’s compulsion: “For the love of Christ compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14) • Urgency of eternity: “How will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14-15) The Power Behind Our Going • The Spirit’s enabling: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8) • Jesus’ own sending authority: “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21) Encouragement to Begin Today • Start where you are: home, workplace, neighborhood • Speak of what you have seen and heard (Acts 4:20) • Trust God for results: “My word…will not return to Me void” (Isaiah 55:11) Go—because the risen Lord still says, “Go to My brothers.” |
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