We hear two endings today. The last words of the gospel of Matthew, and the last words of the second letter Paul wrote to the Corinthians.
They both end a book, but they don’t end a story.
The story is a story of God and God’s people. That story continues.
It’s a story of relationship. The Acts story in Pentecost last week showed us people from all over the world coming together. Language was no longer a barrier. The Holy Spirit brought people together.
But John’s gospel in earlier weeks reminded us that the Spirit was breathed on the disciples by Jesus (Jn 20:22). And that whoever has seen Jesus has seen the Father (Jn 14:9). God is three in one – the Holy Trinity. Co-operation is how God works.
In Paul’s final words of 2nd Corinthians, he pleads for co-operation. Unity among Christians is so important. “...Encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace”. Living in peace moves us into the way of God. “And the God of love and peace will be with you”. Living this way is a way of blessing. So let’s co-operate, as our three-in-one God co-operates. Paul’s very last words as he ends this letter are often words we use as benediction: “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Cor 13:14).
Over in Matthew, the book is finishing, but the story is really starting. Jesus gives The Great Commission. The disciples are to take the gospel to the world. They are to “make disciples of all nations”. And to do this, they will baptise in three names: “in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19). God co-operates, and the disciples are called also to a single mission.
Did you notice, though, that they are not single-minded? Even then, with the risen Jesus fully before them, those disciples at Galilee were divided. “When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted” (Mat 28:17). “Some doubted”. Faith was not simple even then, even with a miracle appearance of Jesus before them.
It must have been a confusing and troubling time. In verse 16, we hear that “the eleven disciples went to Galilee” (Mat 28:16). Eleven, not twelve – because Judas had betrayed Jesus. Judas had committed suicide at almost the same time Jesus had been crucified. Not much unity there.
Matthew ends with a call which the disciples are not yet ready to accept. The Holy Spirit has yet to really do its work in them. But Jesus leaves them with a promise that reminds us how he and the Spirit are one.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit are all speaking when Jesus declares the final words of Matthew: “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt 28:20).
It’s a promise for us, too. A promise for us to take to heart as we make our own steps – together – in faith. Amen, Lord! You are with us always, to the end of the age!
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