The Hard Truth About Eternity – Greg Laurie Devotion – March 28, 2026

Biblical Context

The Gospel of Matthew was written by Matthew, also known as Levi, a tax collector called by Jesus to be one of His twelve apostles. This book is often believed to have been written for a Jewish audience, showing how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament predictions about the Messiah. It presents Jesus as Israel’s King and the one who establishes the church. The book likely dates from somewhere between AD 50 and 70. The verses we’re looking at today, Matthew 28:19-20, make up what we call ‘The Great Commission.’ These are Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples before He went back to heaven, telling them what they needed to do next.

Key Word Study

Let’s look at the word ‘nations’ in Matthew 28:19. In the original Greek, this word is ethnos (ἔθνος). It doesn’t just mean political countries as we think of them today. It points to people groups, ethnic groups, or even Gentiles – anyone who isn’t Jewish. This word makes it clear that Jesus’ message isn’t just for one group of people. It’s meant for absolutely everyone, everywhere. We’re called to share the good news with every kind of person, no matter where they come from or what their background is.

The Hard Truth About Eternity

Life can be hard, and sometimes we wonder what’s really important. What happens when it’s all over? The Bible gives us a very clear, sometimes difficult, answer. It all comes down to Jesus Christ. Let me share a story that shows just how real this is.

There was a Christian father who was terminally ill. He called his three sons to his bedside for what would be their last conversation. To his two sons who already believed in Jesus, he said something full of hope: “Goodbye, my sons. I will see you in the morning.” That’s a beautiful picture, isn’t it? It shows the hope we have in Christ, a future reunion where death doesn’t get the final say.

But then, turning to his third son, who didn’t believe, his words were simple and full of sadness: “Goodbye, my son.” You can imagine how that must have felt. That young man was deeply disturbed by the difference. He had to ask, “Father, why is it you said to my brothers, ‘I will see you in the morning,’ and you only said to me, ‘Goodbye, my son’? Why didn’t you say you would see me in the morning, too?”

His father’s reply was direct, honest, and loving. He said, “Son, you have never asked Jesus Christ into your heart to be your Savior and Lord. And that is what breaks my heart the most. I will never see you again.”

That’s the hard truth. It’s not a popular message today, but it’s what God’s Word tells us. Our eternal destination depends on our choice about Jesus. But here’s the good news in that story: The son began to ask his father how he could be saved, how he could see his father again. His father told him how. The son prayed and received Christ into his life. Then his father said, “Now our family will be together in eternity.” What a beautiful turnaround! This shows us that it’s never too late to make that choice.

The Reality of Life and Death

That kind of family reunion in eternity can happen for everyone who has put their faith in Christ. It will be a great reunion one day in the future, a day we look forward to with deep expectation. But what does the unbeliever have to look forward to? The Bible makes it clear: Judgment after death and a miserable, empty life on earth. There might be some fun in sin—for a while. But payday comes. The hard truth about eternal life is found in the apostle Paul’s words in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death” (nlt). That’s a direct payment for a direct action. You get what you earned.

This is why believers are called to share the gospel far and wide, just as that Christian father in the story did with his son. It’s not just a suggestion; it’s a command from Jesus Himself. In what’s known as the Great Commission, Jesus gave His followers these instructions: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20 nlt). He gave us a job to do, and He promises to be with us every step of the way.

Hope in Eternity

Eternal life is the hope believers cling to when the things of this life start to overwhelm us. When troubles hit, or when we just feel tired, knowing where we’re headed gives us strength. There’s a reason that John 3:16 is perhaps the best-known passage in all of Scripture. Jesus’ words to Nicodemus still feel right and strong today: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (nlt). God’s love isn’t just a sweet idea; it’s an active, giving love that makes a way for us.

If you do not commit your life to Christ, ultimately you will look back on your life and realize that you wasted it. That might feel harsh, but it’s the truth. All the successes, all the pleasures, will seem empty if they don’t lead to eternal life with God. But don’t wait until the end of your life to figure that out. Figure it out now. Don’t put off the most important decision you’ll ever make. Who in your life needs to hear the hard truth about eternity? It’s a question we all need to ask ourselves.