When we play games, we adjust the rules. In some houses, if you land on “Go” in Monopoly, you get to collect $400 (instead of the usual $200 the rules specify). In other houses, the blank tiles in Scrabble can be replaced like the blank tiles in Rummikub.

They are called “house rules.” The person who runs the house gets to determine which variation of rules you use.

Right before he disappears, Jesus establishes the house rules that will be in place until he comes back.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” he tells his disciples. It’s hard to argue with a guy who died and came back to life, just like he predicted. It’s hard to say “um, no. You are lacking in authority.” He’s not debating, he’s describing.

“Therefore, go and make disciples.”

What?

You are telling us that you have all the authority anyone could imagine and you want us to make disciples. You could do really cool stuff with that power, you know. You could bring other people to life. You could feed people. You could do tricks with water and wine. You could be amazing.

Instead, you are telling us to enroll people in a 6 week Bible study course, to have them pray a prayer that they accept who you are.

“No, I’m telling you to make disciples. You know, like has been happening for the last three years?”

You mean live my life with people so the learn how I live my life?  But no one would find any value in that. No one would think anything special about you if all they looked at is my life.

“Exactly”

You mean, make copies of me?

“No. As I have been doing for the past three years, make copies of Me.”