Morning Devotional 122225 Last Words

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

December 22, 2025 

Matthew 28:18-20

18 Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. 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 teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”

Good Morning! Go and make disciples of all nations!

The last words . . . These are among Jesus' last words to his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. 

When my mom was in the last days of her earthly life, there were but a few moments when she spoke, and typically the words were related to when she was a child or gibberish. About a month before her passing, we were all together planning for my parents’ next steps. 

As such discussions often happen, disagreements and heated discussions began to flare, and I got upset. My mom asked for help to go and lie down. After I got her settled, I sat on the side of her bed and shared space with her. She was quietly settling in to a time of rest, and then she opened her eyes and said, “Elizabeth, everything is going to be okay.” 

It was the first time in months that I had heard “her” voice. She was rational and totally present for a moment, and then she lapsed back into her dementia-controlled mind. For me, these were her last words. I bless God for my special liminal space with my mom. 

Those words are her lasting legacy to get through my time of distress. Jesus’ final words to his disciples and us are to go and make disciples of all nations, to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to teach by example how to love God and love one another.

Redeeming Lord, you bless us abundantly! Help us hear your words and follow Christ. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: Share Christ with all you meet. 

God loves us! Pastor Liz