The Great Commission

Matthew 28:16-20

*index cards*

Mountaintop experiences?

Jesus and His followers are on the mountaintop. This is a mountaintop experience. Climax of Scripture.

Jesus had directed them, but the disciples did not know the details until they got there. They took a step in obedience (“go to Galilee and there y’all will see me”)- then Jesus would make it more clear how, what, why, etc. in Galilee

Some worshiped, some doubted.

“Is this truly Jesus?” “Is this even real bro?”

Has anyone ever had doubts? About God, about faith, etc?

Too good to be true? Uncertainty? Hesitation? Drawing inward.

Jesus came to them. He drew near. Proximity. Relationship. This is the antidote to doubt and unbelief.

All authority

Where? On heaven and earth.

BELIEVE IN HIS AUTHORITY

Authoritative command. If someone has all authority- are you gonna do as they say?

OBEY HIS COMMANDS

Obey Him. No matter the cost. No matter the place. No matter the circumstances.

The main command here is “make disciples.” One command, involves three parts.

Cause people to become followers.

How do you cause people to become followers?

“Proclaim the truth about Jesus”

Say it. Live it out. Etc.

Not just words… Words are fine. But there needs to be more. The way you walk. The way you live. Your relationships with others.

Are disciples spawned spontaneously (like Call of Duty or Fortnite)? Or is it a process?

Part #1: Go. The Great Commission commands action.

What does it mean to go?

Often, to us... following God and being a part of the church involves passive things.

Following Jesus is active! It involves a call to action! MOVE!

“To move from one place into another direction”

Don’t just stand here- go!

Many translate this to mean “as you are going”

Shake down every bush? “Sir, don’t run from the Lord!!” ?!?

Not necessarily. Probably not. But as you walk the path God has set before you, be about HIS business.

Remember- Jesus said GO to some very imperfect people

Part #2: Baptizing.

What is baptism? What does it mean?

Plunged into Jesus. Baptized into Him.

Identified with Him.

Commitment. Wholeheartedly and unreservedly.

Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Trinity. Relationship.

Part #3: Teaching.

Who in here wants to be a teacher? Who enjoys teaching others?

Impart skills and knowledge

How do you teach? Do as I say. Do as I do. Examples, leadership, etc.

It matters how you live. “God is forgiving” Well, He is, but He is also the Powerful King. He’s gonna change you. “Be holy, as I am holy”

You don’t enter into relationship with Him without being changed.

To teach others to follow Jesus, you yourself need Jesus. You need a relationship with Him.

You must also have and know the Word.

*BEHOLD!*

He will be with you always.

DEPEND ON HIS PRESENCE

He will never leave or forsake you. His Spirit goes before you, beside you, etc.

It isn’t about you. It’s about what He can do in and through your life.

Privilege. Protection. Power. Peace