Untitled Sermon (5)

The Great Commission: Empowered to Serve

Matthew 28:16-17

Summary: In this passage, Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection, right before giving them the Great Commission.

Application: This passage reminds us that as believers, we are empowered by the risen Christ to fulfill the mission He has entrusted to us. It encourages us to step out in faith and share the message of salvation with boldness and confidence, knowing that Jesus is with us always.

Teaching: This passage teaches us that encountering the resurrected Christ should lead to a deep sense of purpose and urgency in our Christian walk. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to Christ's command to make disciples of all nations.

How this passage could point to Christ: The appearance of Jesus to the disciples foreshadows His promise to always be with His followers (Matthew 28:20) and points to His authority over all creation as the resurrected King.

Big Idea: Through encountering the risen Christ, believers are empowered to boldly fulfill the Great Commission and make disciples of all nations.

Recommended Study: In preparing this sermon, consider diving deeper into the cultural context of the Great Commission in first-century Judea using the Cultural Concepts tool in Logos. Explore the significance of Jesus' appearance to His disciples in light of the Jewish understanding of resurrection. Additionally, study the theological implications of Jesus' authority as the risen Lord in the context of Matthew's Gospel using the Passage Guide in Logos.

1. Following Faithfully Despite Doubts

Matthew 28:16

You could start by emphasizing the obedience of the disciples in coming to meet Jesus, which sets a foundation for our response to His call. Highlight how their willingness to come despite doubts mirrors our journey to serve even when we face uncertainties. This act of coming to Jesus, just as He commanded, could be presented as the first step in being empowered to serve in the Great Commission.

2. Worship and Service in Doubt

Matthew 28:17

Maybe focus on the dual reaction of worship and doubt among the disciples as a realistic portrayal of Christian service. You can illustrate how, even in our worship and moments of doubt, Jesus equips and empowers us for service. This point emphasizes that recognizing Jesus' lordship and authority is crucial in being empowered to serve, reflecting the big idea that encountering the risen Christ enables believers to fulfill the Great Commission with boldness.

The Power of Unity in Christ

Matthew 28:16–17, Psalm 133:1–3

Summary: In Matthew 28:16–17, Jesus appears to his disciples, reinforcing His resurrection and commanding them to spread the Good News. Psalm 133:1–3 praises the unity among God's people as pleasant and precious.

Application: This sermon reminds Christians that unity among believers is vital for spreading the Gospel effectively and for experiencing God's blessings. It challenges us to work together in harmony, love, and support, despite our differences, for the glory of God.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that when Christians are united in purpose and spirit, they reflect the love of Christ to the world and become a powerful force for good. It emphasizes the importance of setting aside personal agendas for the greater cause of the Kingdom.

How this passage could point to Christ: Both passages point to Jesus as the source of true unity among believers. He is the cornerstone that unites us with God and with each other. The unity in Christ is a reflection of the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Big Idea: True unity among believers is not only pleasing to God but also powerful for advancing His Kingdom. By embodying the love and harmony exemplified by Christ, Christians can bear witness to His transformative power and draw others to Him.

Recommended Study: For further study, explore the theme of unity in the New Testament epistles, particularly Paul's teachings on the unity of the body of Christ in Ephesians and Corinthians. Use Logos to delve into the cultural context of the early church and the challenges they faced in maintaining unity amidst diversity.

1. Commissioning Collective Courage

Matthew 28:16–17

You could emphasize the significance of Jesus' appearance to His disciples as a foundational moment for Christian unity. Highlight how Christ's commissioning underscored the necessity of unity in spreading the Gospel, suggesting that believers, empowered by the resurrected Christ, are called to a unified mission. This illustrates the christocentric theme of unity derived from Jesus' authority and resurrection, applying it to the need for collective action and harmony in the Christian community today.

2. Blessed Bond of Believers

Psalm 133:1–3

Perhaps explore the poetic imagery of Psalm 133 to convey how unity among believers is both a blessing from God and a reflection of God’s intended harmony for His people. Emphasize the christocentric perspective of unity as mirroring the harmonious relationship within the Trinity, which Christians are invited to participate in. This can serve as a compelling call to live out the unity that Christ achieved, demonstrating its power in enhancing fellowship and effectiveness in ministry.