The phrase “no orders, except from the King” resonates deeply with the Christian mandate to follow Christ’s commands with unwavering loyalty. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus instructs His followers to observe all that He has commanded. This directive comes from the highest authority—Jesus, our King. Just as Major-General Sir George Younghusband, the Keeper of the Jewel House, took orders only from the King to protect the royal treasures, Christians are called to take their orders directly from Jesus to safeguard the treasures of faith and truth He has entrusted to us. Understanding and obeying these divine commands not only honors our relationship with Christ but also fortifies our spiritual journey. The analogy of the Keeper of the Jewel House underscores the necessity of adhering to the authority of Christ alone, ensuring that our faith remains untainted and our mission clear.
When we examine the seven commands given by Jesus, each prefaced with “Go,” we find a comprehensive blueprint for Christian living. These commands are not mere suggestions but direct orders from our King, shaping how we live, work, and witness in the world. Each “Go” addresses a critical aspect of our discipleship journey, from personal correction and active service to vigilant preparation and fruitful living. For instance, in Matthew 18:15, the command to “go and tell him his fault” emphasizes the need for personal accountability and reconciliation within the Christian community. These commands collectively guide us toward a life that reflects Christ’s character and fulfills His mission on earth.
Adjustment
Our first directive, “Go and tell him of his fault,” found in Matthew 18:15, highlights the importance of adjustment and reconciliation within the Christian community. This command calls us to address conflicts and misunderstandings directly and lovingly. According to commentator Matthew Henry, this approach fosters “a spirit of meekness and humility,” essential for maintaining unity and peace among believers. By confronting faults privately, we honor the dignity of our fellow Christians and follow Jesus’ model of grace and truth. This command teaches us the value of personal accountability and the necessity of restoring relationships damaged by sin or misunderstanding. In doing so, we reflect the heart of Christ, who seeks to reconcile us to Himself and to one another. This principle of adjustment is vital for the health of the Church, as it prevents small grievances from growing into larger divisions. It encourages us to take proactive steps in resolving conflicts, ensuring that our communities remain strong and united in our shared faith.
The directive to “go and tell him of his fault” is a call to courageous and loving confrontation. It reminds us that ignoring or avoiding conflicts does more harm than good. By addressing issues head-on, we allow healing and restoration to take place. This process, though sometimes uncomfortable, is necessary for personal and communal growth. It also reflects our commitment to living out the principles of the Kingdom of God, where truth and love coexist harmoniously. This approach fosters an environment where grace can abound, and relationships can flourish, ultimately strengthening the body of Christ.
Activity
The second command, “Go and work today,” from Matthew 21:28, emphasizes the importance of activity and diligence in our Christian walk. Jesus calls us to be active participants in His mission, not merely passive observers. This command challenges us to use our time and talents effectively for the Kingdom of God. As Oswald Chambers once said, “The greatest competitor of devotion to Jesus is service for Him.” While service is crucial, it must flow from a deep, personal relationship with Christ. Our work should be an extension of our worship, reflecting our love and dedication to Him. This command encourages us to find joy and purpose in our daily tasks, seeing them as opportunities to serve God and others. By working diligently and with a heart of service, we contribute to the advancement of God’s Kingdom on earth.
Jesus’ command to “go and work today” is a call to immediate action and purposeful living. It reminds us that our faith is not just about belief but also about action. Every day presents new opportunities to serve God and make a difference in the lives of others. Whether in our workplaces, homes, or communities, we are called to be diligent and faithful in our responsibilities. This directive encourages us to approach each day with a sense of urgency and dedication, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. It also challenges us to balance our service with devotion, ensuring that our activities are rooted in our relationship with Christ.
Alertness
Alertness is the focus of Jesus’ third command, “Go out and meet Him,” found in Matthew 25:6. This directive underscores the importance of being prepared and vigilant for the return of Christ. It calls us to live with an expectancy that shapes our actions and attitudes. As commentator William Barclay notes, “The watchful servant is the one who is ready for the Master’s return at any moment.” This command reminds us that our earthly lives are temporary and that we should always be prepared for Christ’s return. It challenges us to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, knowing that we will one day give an account of our lives to God. By staying alert and spiritually awake, we ensure that we are always ready to meet our Savior, whether He comes today or in the distant future.
Living in a state of alertness involves more than just waiting; it requires active preparation and engagement in our faith. It means regularly examining our hearts, maintaining a vibrant relationship with Christ, and staying faithful in our calling. This command encourages us to prioritize our spiritual well-being, to stay connected to God through prayer and the study of His Word, and to live each day as if it were our last. By doing so, we cultivate a readiness that honors God and prepares us for His glorious return.
Attention
The fourth command, “Go home to thy friends and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee,” from Mark 5:19, highlights the importance of attention to our personal testimony. This command encourages us to share the transformative work of Christ in our lives with those closest to us. As Charles Spurgeon aptly put it, “Every Christian is either a missionary or an impostor.” Our personal stories of God’s grace and mercy are powerful tools for evangelism. They provide a tangible demonstration of God’s love and power, making the Gospel message relatable and compelling. By sharing our testimonies, we not only glorify God but also encourage others to seek Him. This command calls us to be intentional in our relationships, using our experiences to point others to Christ.
Sharing our testimony is a natural extension of our faith. It involves being open and vulnerable about our struggles and victories, demonstrating how God has been faithful in every season of our lives. This command reminds us that our stories have the power to impact others, to inspire hope, and to lead people to a deeper understanding of God’s love. It encourages us to be attentive to the opportunities we have to share our faith, to be bold in our witness, and to trust that God will use our testimonies for His glory.
Fruitfulness
Jesus’ fifth command, “Go and bring forth fruit,” from John 15:16, calls us to live lives of fruitfulness and spiritual productivity. This directive emphasizes the importance of bearing fruit as evidence of our connection to Christ. According to theologian Andrew Murray, “Fruit is the only evidence of the true relationship to Jesus.” This command challenges us to evaluate the impact of our lives and to seek ways to bear fruit that glorifies God. It encourages us to engage in actions that reflect the character of Christ, such as love, kindness, generosity, and service. By bearing fruit, we demonstrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives and contribute to the growth of God’s Kingdom.
Living a fruitful life requires intentionality and a deep connection to Christ. It means abiding in Him, drawing strength and nourishment from His presence, and allowing His love to flow through us. This command reminds us that our lives are meant to be productive, not in a worldly sense, but in a spiritual sense. It calls us to invest our time, talents, and resources in ways that have eternal significance. By focusing on fruitfulness, we align our lives with God’s purposes and become vessels of His grace and truth in a world that desperately needs it.
Separation
The sixth command, “Go and sin no more,” from John 8:11, underscores the importance of separation from sin and a commitment to holiness. Jesus spoke these words to the woman caught in adultery, offering her both forgiveness and a call to transformation. This command highlights the balance of grace and truth in Jesus’ ministry. As D.A. Carson notes, “Jesus does not condemn her, but neither does He condone her sin.” This directive challenges us to leave behind our sinful behaviors and to pursue a life of righteousness. It calls us to acknowledge the seriousness of sin, to seek God’s forgiveness, and to commit to living in a way that honors Him.
Separation from sin is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and dependence on God’s grace. It involves recognizing the areas of our lives that are not aligned with God’s will and making a conscious effort to change. This command encourages us to embrace the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to overcome sin and to live in freedom. By committing to a life of holiness, we reflect the character of Christ and become witnesses to His redemptive work in our lives.
Testimony
Finally, the seventh command, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature,” from Mark 16:15, emphasizes the importance of testimony and evangelism. This directive calls us to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. As John Stott points out, “We must be global Christians with a global vision because our God is a global God.” This command challenges us to expand our horizons and to see the mission field in every corner of the world. It calls us to be intentional in our evangelism, to reach out to those who have not yet heard the Gospel, and to be faithful in our witness.
Sharing the Gospel is the ultimate expression of our love for God and for others. It involves proclaiming the message of salvation, demonstrating God’s love through our actions, and inviting others to experience the transformative power of Christ. This command reminds us that we are ambassadors of Christ, entrusted with the message of reconciliation. It challenges us to be bold in our witness, to trust in the power of the Gospel, and to be faithful in our calling to make disciples of all nations.
The seven commands of Jesus encapsulate the essence of Christian discipleship. Each directive, beginning with “Go,” calls us to a specific aspect of our faith journey, from personal adjustment and active service to vigilant readiness and fruitful living. These commands remind us that our orders come directly from our King, and our response should be one of faith and obedience. By embracing these commands, we align ourselves with Christ’s mission and demonstrate our loyalty to His Kingdom. Let us commit to living out these commands with diligence and devotion, trusting that God will guide us and empower us to fulfill His purposes in our lives.
Intentional Faith 