16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 27:16-20

The last in this series is from the Great Commission, a slight addition to Mark’s account.

The last verse in this passage is powerful. Was this the last thing He said before ascending into Heaven?

Knowing a bit of what the disciples went through and hearing Jesus’ words as He ascended to be with the Father, this had to be the ultimate boost of encouragement they needed.

They wouldn’t be alone in this battle. They had a Comforter, the Holy Spirit. But here Jesus also said He would be with them.

That is a powerful promise.

In the thick of it, He would be with them.
When they were imprisoned, He would be with them.
When they were down and discouraged, He would be with them.
When they were rejoicing over the explosion of the church, He would be with them.

That promise is for us as well.

Down? Troubled? Discouraged? Rejoicing? Disheartened? Hurting? Satisfied? Mournful?

“”And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” said Jesus, the Son of God.