Living Hope Family & Personal Devotions
The Great Commission - How do I share?
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Using This Devotional
Use the parts that are appropriate to your/your family’s situation.
Spend some time weekly to reflect on the previous week’s theme and try to implement suggestions from the sermon for real-life application. Use the sermon & class notes for individual study found online: livinghopebranch.org
This Week’s Scripture
“Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Matthew 28:18-20
Devotional Discussion
Sharing doesn’t always come naturally to us. From the time we are toddlers, our instinct is often to hold tightly to what is ours and declare, “Mine!” But as followers of Jesus, we are given a special command that completely flips this mindset upside down.
In Matthew 28:18-20, often called the Great Commission, Jesus gives His final instructions to His disciples before ascending to heaven. He doesn’t ask them to keep the good news of salvation a secret. Instead, He commands them to “go” and “teach all nations.”
When we think about sharing our faith, it can feel intimidating. We might wonder: What if I don’t know enough? What if someone asks a question I can’t answer? What if people laugh at me or judge me? Jesus anticipated these fears. Notice how He bookends His command. He starts by declaring that all power and authority belong to Him. He finishes with a beautiful, rock-solid promise: “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
Sharing the gospel isn’t about relying on our own strength, eloquence, or perfection. It is about relying on His authority and His constant presence. We share simply by pointing others to what Jesus has done in our lives, trusting that He is right beside us every step of the way.
Sharing the gospel is not about relying on our own strength, eloquence, or perfection. It is about relying on His authority and His constant presence.
Put It Into Practice
Sharing your faith doesn’t require a microphone or a stage. You can put the Great Commission into practice daily through simple, intentional actions:
- Share Your Story: You are the world’s leading expert on your own life. Tell others how Jesus has brought you peace, joy, or comfort during hard times. Your personal testimony is incredibly powerful.
- Share Through Service: Sometimes, the best way to open a door for a conversation about Jesus is to love someone practically. Help a neighbor, comfort a grieving friend, or volunteer your time.
- Share Through Invitation: Inviting someone to church, a Bible study, or a community event is a low-pressure way to introduce them to a faith community.
Discuss Together
Questions for Personal or Family Discussion
- Why do you think Jesus chose to leave His followers with this specific command before returning to heaven?
- What is the biggest obstacle or fear you face when it comes to sharing your faith with others?
- How does Jesus’ promise that He is “always with you” change the way you view evangelism?
Kid’s Corner
Kid’s Story: Nathan Shares the Cookies
Nathan’s grandmother made the absolute best chocolate chip cookies in the world. They were perfectly soft, incredibly gooey, and always made you smile, no matter how bad your day was.
One afternoon, Nathan brought a giant container of these cookies to school. During lunchtime, his friend Jared sat down next to him, looking really sad. Jared had dropped his lunch tray, and his favorite toy had broken in his backpack earlier that morning. Nate looked at his container of cookies. He had a choice. He could eat them all himself, or he could share.
Nate slid the container over. “Hey Jared, take one. My grandma made them. They make everything better.” Jared took a bite, and his face instantly lit up. “Wow, Nate! These are amazing! Thank you so much!” Soon, other kids at the table asked about them, and Nate happily passed the cookies around until the container was empty. Seeing his friends happy made Nate feel warmer inside than if he had eaten every single cookie himself.
The Moral: Jesus is like those cookies, but a million times better! When we have something that brings so much joy and saves lives, it’s no fun to keep it a secret. Sharing Jesus brings happiness to others and fills our hearts!
Printable Activity: Go Ye Therefore
Directed Prayer
Direct me to those with whom I could share the gospel, those I know and those I don’t know. Thank you that you promised me you’ll be right by my side!
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