⏱ 5 min read

In Revelations 19, the Bible describes Jesus coming out for war on a white horse, and the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, also following Him on white horses. Most of us only know this commanding side of Jesus; making war to destroy His enemies. But today we learn that He is also a commander of our lives and our actions.

“Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities.” ~ Matthew 11:1

Dearly beloved, I would submit to you that the commissions that Jesus gave us were given as commands, and not suggestions, advice or counsel (Read John 13:34-35; Matthew 28:19-20).

According to Google, a command is an authoritative or peremptory order (insisting on immediate attention or obedience). In Matthew 10, Jesus called the disciples and gave them some commands and instructions! So we also see Jesus here as a commander!

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. ~ John 13:34-35

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. ~ Matthew 28:19-20

• A true disciple of Jesus is someone who can be instructed and commanded.
• Jesus told them where to go, what to say, what to do, what to carry along, the clothing, how to react, what to receive, etc. He gave them detailed instructions (Read Matthew 10:5-42)
• Dear Christian, can you and I be instructed in such ways?
• Can you be told what to do, what to say, where to go, how to go about things, etc.? Or with you will God have us form committees, and give 10+ reasons why He wants you to do A or live like B?

"Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities." ~ Matthew 11:1

Now the verse says: “then He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities!” So now Jesus led them to do the exact things He had commanded them to do. A true leader talks the walk and also walks the talk (if you are a leader, please think about this).

• Every command or instruction Jesus gives us is one He lived by as a man on this earth. That should give us hope that we can also follow them and expect a glorious end.
• Remember, He gives us the power to back the commands (Matthew 10:1) and the grace to see them through (Hebrews 4:16).
• We can live a life free of sexual impurity because He did! We can impact our world for God because He did! We can preach, teach, heal the sick, and raise the dead because He did!

For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.

Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].

• To conclude: Jesus first brought the disciples to Himself for a relationship, then He gave them an assignment, empowered them, trained them, and backed them up with signs and wonders.
• After this He showed them the practical example: He went out to preach and teach and live what He commanded!
• So even before Revelations 19 is played out in our lives, remember that you and I are in God’s army.
• And as you pray asking Him to fight on your behalf; remember He is also a commander of your life and your actions, and yield/submit to His commands!

May we learn from our Commander Jesus and follow His commandments to love, preach, teach, give, show mercy, heal, live in humility, etc. May we receive grace and power for our assignments! Hey, you’re blessed!

Do share your wisdom lessons from Matthew 11. Remember to tag us on 📲:
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