Matthew 28:16-20 (NLT)
16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 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.”

Eleven disciples gathered to go where Jesus had told them to go. There had been twelve disciples Jesus had fellowshipped with right up until the time of His appointed death. Judas was not among those heading off to see Jesus; for Judas had taken his own life out of grief of his sin. Jesus gives the remaining disciples a command to go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Jesus assures them he will be with them always.

I wonder what these eleven men thought about Judas as they walked to meet Jesus. Obviously Matthew in his writing acknowledged there were only eleven of them now. Judas had fellowshipped with them. He had been a close friend and even treasurer of their funds. In Acts Luke writes the words of Peter as Peter speaks about Judas. “During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them. “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us.”” Some of the disciples probably grieved the lost fellowship with Judas, while others were more than likely angry over his betrayal of Christ. Peter understood what happened had been in God’s hands. Prophecy was fulfilled and the fulfillment of salvation through Christ came for the 120 new believers that were present. Had Christ not died there would not have been 120 new believers present with the disciples. Remember Christ called us to share the good news of Salvation. Christ asked us to go and seek out others to tell. But the rest of the work is left in God’s hands. We are just to be obedient tools that God can use to perform His work. And if we fail, God will always find someone else to fulfill His mission.