Scripture: 16 The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:16-20 Devotional: If you can imagine, technically all of this Jesus stuff is new to these people, even to those promoting it. This is a new way of living for people dedicated to spreading what they see as truth and a better way, to all they meet. Some would say that Jesus' desire wasn't to make “Christians" as we have grown into the word, but that all might follow the God-head, through this higher way of being, embracing this resurrecting power. This idea of “discipleship” we see here in the text, has been used and abused, causing harm and headache specifically in some of the Christian spaces that hold “evangelizing” as priority. We, as Christians who want to highlight the Love of God, rather than inflict harm, or infringe on others beliefs, must pick our battles. Aside from the systems that have called us into — systems of dominance, systems desiring to siege and conquer — what has Jesus really called us to? What does “Making Disciples” really mean? What are the things that Jesus commanded that we should teach? How do we contribute to changing the hearts of humanity with love, patience, understanding, and the honoring of all cultures? Prayer/Reflection: God, teach me to choose my battles. What do I really want people to see that is so different in my culture, religion, set of beliefs, theology — that they are missing? How am I bringing people to love, daily, without inflicting harm or a sense of “superiority”?