Sermon on Willibrord of York and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)

Sermon on Willibrord of York and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)

Today, as we reflect on the life of Willibrord of York, the missionary bishop and “Apostle to the Frisians,” (the people, not the cows!) we see a man who embraced Christ’s call to “make disciples of all nations” with a remarkable passion.  Matthew 28:16-20, often called the Great Commission, resonates deeply with Willibrord’s life and ministry.  These verses capture the moment when Jesus, standing on the mountain after His resurrection, instructs His disciples to go forth, to baptize, and to teach.  Willibrord took up this commission with fervour, venturing far from his homeland to spread the gospel in what is now the Netherlands. His life offers a powerful example of dedication, faith, and resilience in the face of challenges.

In Matthew 28, Jesus gives a command to “make disciples of all nations,”.  That’s a call to all Christians to go beyond their familiar boundaries in spreading the message of God’s love.  Willibrord answered this call with a heart open to wherever God would lead him. Born in Northumbria, trained in Ireland, and sent to Frisia (modern-day Netherlands), Willibrord left everything familiar to embark on a mission of conversion and education among people who knew little of the Christian faith.

His journey was no easy task. Frisia in the 7th century was a land with a strong pagan tradition, where the message of Christ was unfamiliar and often unwelcome. Willibrord faced resistance, even hostility, and yet he pressed on. This reminds us of the courage it takes to fulfil Jesus’s commission. How often do we hesitate when God calls us to speak to a neighbour, to reach out to someone in need, or to challenge an injustice? Willibrord’s life shows us that the call to “make disciples” is not limited by borders, by language, or by the opinions of others. Rather, it is a call to step out in faith, knowing that Christ’s presence will be with us always.

Then Jesus commanded us to baptise in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Baptism is the outward symbol of inward transformation, a sacrament that welcomes us into the family of God. For Willibrord, baptism was central to his mission. His work was not just about introducing people to Jesus but about inviting them into a community where they could grow in faith, supported by others. Baptism offered new believers a sense of belonging and identity.

Willibrord’s dedication to baptizing people, despite the cultural and religious barriers he encountered, reminds us of the power of baptism to unite us across differences. Baptism doesn’t erase our unique identities but instead draws us into a shared purpose, giving us the identity of disciples. Through baptism, Willibrord gave the people of Frisia a new spiritual home, a place of belonging. This speaks powerfully to us today, encouraging us to see our baptism not just as a personal milestone but as an invitation into a lifelong journey with a community that supports and challenges us.

The third aspect of the Great Commission was Jesus’ instruction to “teach them to obey everything I have commanded you”.   Jesus’s command includes not only baptizing but also teaching. Willibrord’s missionary work went beyond converting individuals; he was dedicated to instructing them in the teachings of Christ. He established churches, trained leaders, and founded monasteries, understanding that faith needs a foundation built on understanding and wisdom.

In our fast-paced, information-saturated world, we might ask: How are we passing down the teachings of Jesus? Are we fostering a love of Scripture, a commitment to compassion, and a devotion to justice in our communities? Willibrord’s legacy challenges us to be intentional about teaching, not only through words but by modelling lives that reflect Christ’s love. He understood that true discipleship involves a transformation of both mind and heart, and he committed himself to helping others grow in their understanding of God’s Word.

At the end of the Great Commission – Jesus offer a promise: “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age”.  Perhaps one of the most comforting aspects of the Great Commission is that very promise to be with us “to the end of the age.” This promise gave Willibrord strength through many trials, knowing that he was not alone. History tells us that he faced setbacks, exile, and even physical threats, yet he kept moving forward. His resilience reminds us that Christ’s presence is not dependent on our circumstances. It is with us in every season, every struggle, and every triumph.

Willibrord’s perseverance is a testament to the enduring promise of Jesus’s companionship. We may not face the exact struggles he did, but we all encounter moments of doubt, loneliness, or challenge in our journey of faith. In those times, Jesus’s promise to be with us “to the end of the age” is a source of unshakeable hope. Willibrord trusted that Jesus would sustain him, and this allowed him to be bold and unafraid, even when his mission seemed uncertain.

So how can we live the Great Commission today?

Willibrord’s life urges us to consider how we might embody the Great Commission in our own context. Not all of us are called to leave our homes or travel to distant lands. Yet, each of us is called to make disciples by sharing God’s love, inviting others into community, and teaching through our words and actions. Perhaps it’s through mentoring someone younger, reaching out to someone who feels lost, or standing up for justice in our local community. Each of these actions is part of the work to which Jesus has called us.

Willibrord’s legacy teaches us that missionary work is not just about crossing physical borders but about crossing boundaries of fear, prejudice, and indifference. He reminds us that the Great Commission is lived out in everyday acts of kindness, in our willingness to serve, and in our commitment to growing in faith and love.

In closing, as we remember Willibrord and his remarkable dedication, may you be inspired to carry out the Great Commission in your own life. May you go forth with courage, baptizing in love, teaching with wisdom, and trusting that Christ’s presence will sustain us, now and always. Like Willibrord, may you be faithful ambassadors of the gospel, bringing the light of Christ to every corner of our world.  Amen.