Matthew reported that Jesus told the disciples that all authority was his. Jesus told them to go and make disciples, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all that He had commanded (Matthew 28:18-20). So, what did Jesus command?

Firstly, what does the bible mean by command? The meaning here is to enjoin, to instruct or urge to do something or give charge. This word does not mean force, but it is an instruction or an encouragement to do something. God does not force man to do anything; we are given choice. He gives these commands and instructions for our benefit, to help us to move from darkness to light, from the prince of this world to the God who created the heavens and the earth. The following are some of the commands and instructions that Jesus gave. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all that he commanded.

The first command that Jesus announced was to repent because the Kingdom of Heaven was near (Matthew 4:17). It was a warning that the end of the age (the world) is coming soon and that people should turn away from their sinful ways and ask for forgiveness. It was a warning to seek forgiveness before it is too late. This is a warning for us too, today. We are to be aware that soon there will be a time where it is too late to repent. God is giving mankind a lot of time to turn from our evil ways, but He cannot wait forever. So as Jesus said, “He who has ears, let him hear”. Repent today and purpose in your heart to never go back.

Jesus commanded the disciples to follow him, and that he would make them fishers of men (Matthew 4:19; Matthew 9:9).  What a beautiful implication that Jesus told them to leave everything of this world behind, they did not have to worry about their needs anymore, all was provided. When they were fishers, they worked hard to provide food on the table. They had to worry about when fishing was hard, and they did not have enough. But God had now called them to be fishers of men.

Jesus commanded them that they were to seek first the kingdom of heaven and His righteousness and all their needs will be provided (Matthew 6:33).  In this world, we spend a lot of time working and worrying about how we will eat and buy what we want, but God says to seek Him first, and all our needs will be provided.

Jesus commanded them to be poor in spirit (to have no spiritual life without God), to mourn (over the things that not of God), to be gentle (kind-hearted), to hunger for righteousness (actively seek right standing with God), to be merciful, to be pure in heart (integrity, good character), to be peacemakers, to do what is right even when persecuted and to represent Jesus at all times (5:1-12). Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14). He taught that we should let our light shine so that others will see our good works and give the glory to God. So, let us do good works and represent Jesus so that all will see the glory of God shining from within us.

Jesus instructed them to have faith in him (Matthew 8:26). He taught them that if they had faith and did not doubt that they could speak to a mountain to be moved and it would move. He told them that if they had faith whatever they asked in prayer, they would receive (Matthew 21:21-22). He instructed them to have faith and do not doubt. We too are to have this kind of faith, knowing that the God, who created the heavens and the earth by His words, is the God that we serve. There is nothing too hard for our God (Jeremiah 32:17; Genesis 18:14).

He told them to pray for labourers for the harvest. Jesus said that the harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few and so we must pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest (Matthew 9:37). So, let us pray for labourers and be faithful labourers ourselves. Let us be instruments of God working to reconcile people to God.

Jesus, in his ministry, taught in the synagogues, proclaimed the kingdom of heaven, healed many disease and affliction among the people (Matthew 4:23). He gave the disciples authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, to heal every disease and every affliction (Matthew 10:1). He gave them the power, commanded them to go out, preach about the kingdom and use the power of God to make people whole. He told them that he was sending them as sheep amid wolves. He told them not to be anxious when they are put on trial for the Holy Spirit shall speak through them (Matthew 10:16-23). Even though they knew they would be persecuted; they were still supposed to go. They had to go for the sake of others. Jesus told them whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for Jesus’ sake will find it. Now we understand that we were doomed, on a path of destruction, to a place of torment, but God has saved us from that. Knowing this do we not want all other people to be recused from this. God calls us to love others as we love ourselves, and if we love others, then we will want salvation for them. And so, we are commanded to go out, preach the kingdom and use God’s power in us to heal and help restore people to God. Let us tell all at every opportunity about the goodness of God and let us lay hands on anyone willing for healing and restoration.

Commands of Jesus:

• Tell all that the kingdom of heaven is near
• Follow Jesus and do not be concerned about our needs
• Seek first the kingdom of heaven
• Be the salt and light in the world
• Have faith and do not doubt
• Prayer for labourers and be good labourers
• Go out, lay hands and tell people about Jesus
• Be ready for his return

All photos were taken by Kyle or Vani. These photos are from the many adventures we have been blessed to experience together. We are so grateful for every blessing from God. No filters were used nor were the photos edited except for an occasional crop. We hope you enjoy.