I love reading the end of each of these gospels. There is so much hope that comes from knowing that Jesus is risen and has authority over heaven and earth. In verse 19 Jesus commands the disciples, Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, These verses say nothing about baptism providing salvation. Baptism unites believers with Jesus Christ and symbolizes submission to Him. It is commanded to show submission to Christ and a willingness to live under God’s authority and in covenant with Him. Too many times I’ve seen baptism equate salvation, but it is important to realize that salvation comes before you can ever express submission and obedience to God.

This is always an emotional section of the Gospel for me. It paints the picture of how much Jesus suffered on the cross. One of the areas that stood out to me this morning was how obviously innocent Jesus really was. How many times did the religious leaders hear they were killing an innocent man; Judas in verse 4 says, “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”; in verse 19 Pilate’s wife testifies to Pilate, “Don’t have anything to do with this innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”. How blind did the religious leaders need to be to go after such a blatantly innocent man? In the end, the requirement for the forgiveness of our sin was the sacrifice of perfection. I feel unworthy and humbled by my savior’s love for me.