Happy Mother’s Day

Good morning, church family! Happy Mother’s Day! Today, we celebrate the incredible gift of mothers—those who nurture, guide, and shape lives with love and sacrifice. As we honor them, we continue our post resurrection journey and turn to Matthew 28:16-20, commonly known as the Great Commission, under the theme Empowered to Disciple (Follow). This passage isn’t just a call to evangelize; it’s a call to follow Jesus by making disciples, a mission that resonates deeply with the heart of motherhood. The Great Commission comes about after Jesus' resurrection and before His ascension to heaven. It was given to His disciples as a final instruction, commanding them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey all His commands, on a mountain in Galilee.

Mothers often embody discipleship in their daily lives—teaching, modeling, and leading their children to follow Christ. Today, we’ll explore how the Great Commission empowers all of us, including mothers, to disciple others, and we’ll see how this calling is both a privilege and a responsibility.

Matthew’s Gospel ends with this powerful scene, the culmination of Jesus’ earthly ministry.  After His resurrection, Jesus meets His disciples in Galilee, a familiar place where it all began, where He first called many of them. The setting is intentional, and Galilee represents the starting point of their faith journey, and now it’s the launchpad for their global mission.

Prayer—

Slide 2

Matthew 28:16–20 Context

Matthew 28:16–20 ESV

“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Slide 3

A Powerful Scene…….

Matthew’s Gospel ends with this powerful scene, the culmination of Jesus’ earthly ministry. After His resurrection, Jesus meets His disciples in Galilee, a place of familiarity and beginnings, where He first called many of them. The setting is intentional: Galilee represents the starting point of their faith journey, and now it’s the launchpad for their global mission.

Slide 4

Breaking it down Scripturally… V16- The Setting…

The eleven disciples [Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James] (Judas Iscariot is gone) obey Jesus’ instruction to meet Him in Galilee. This obedience, even after the trauma of the crucifixion, shows they are still trusting in the risen Lord. The mountain setting reminds us of the Biblical moments of divine revelation (such as Mt. Sinai, Sermon on the Mount), signaling that something big, something monumental is about to happen.

Verse 17: Worship and Doubt…

When they see Jesus, they worship Him—seemingly a natural response to encountering the risen Savior. Yet, Matthew notes, “some doubted.” The Greek word here (distazo) suggesting some remain hesitant and possibly uncertain, as opposed to outright disbelief. [The Greek word for "worship" here, proskuneo, can mean to bow down in reverence, but it also carries the weight of recognizing someone as worthy of divine honor and respect. The fact that some doubted, even while worshiping, lends itself to the awe and uncertainty at least of some.]

This is comforting! Even in the presence of the resurrected Jesus, doubt lingers. God doesn’t reject doubters, He commissions them, inviting them into His mission.

Verse 18: Jesus Making His Authority…

· Jesus declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This is the foundation of the Great Commission. His authority is universal, cosmic, and unchallenged, rooted in His resurrection victory over sin and death (cf. Daniel 7:13-14). The mission is grounded in Jesus’ supreme authority, not human ability.  The disciples' worship of Jesus demonstrates that they recognized him not just as a leader or teacher, but as someone with divine power and authority.

The purpose, to assure us that our mission isn’t based on our strength but on Christ’s sovereign power.

 Verse 19: The Command…

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” The imperative is “make disciples” (matheteuo), with “go” as a participle implying “as you go.” Discipleship happens in everyday life—on the road, in the home, at the kitchen table.

“All nations” breaks ethnic and cultural barriers (this is big), fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:3). The mission is global, inclusive, and urgent.

“Baptizing” and “teaching” are the means of discipleship. Baptism marks entrance into the Christian community, while teaching ensures ongoing growth in obedience to Christ’s commands. Making disciples isn’t just for pastors; it’s for every believer, especially parents.

Verse 20: The Promise…

Jesus’ final words are a promise: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” The Greek (ego meth’ hymon eimi) emphasizes His continual presence. This echoes God’s covenantal promise to be with His people (e.g., Isaiah 41:10).

For mothers, this promise is a lifeline. Raising children, especially in faith, may be daunting, but Jesus is with you every step of the way. The promise of Christ’s presence empowers us to fulfill the mission without fear.

The Mother’s Map…

Imagine a parent planning a family road trip. She doesn’t just tell her kids the destination; she maps the route, packs snacks, and guides them through detours. That’s discipleship! In Matthew 28, Jesus gives us the destination—making disciples of all nations—and the route: baptizing and teaching. Moms and Dads, we live this out daily, guiding our children toward Christ through bedtime prayers, life lessons, and modeling faith. Just as a parent’s guidance shapes a journey, their discipleship shapes eternal destinies.

The Doubting Disciple

Consider a mother who feels inadequate. Maybe she’s a single mom, juggling work and parenting, or a new mom unsure how to teach her child about Jesus. She’s like the disciples in verse 17, worshiping but doubting. Yet Jesus doesn’t disqualify them—or her. He says, “Go, because I’m with you.” Mothers and fathers, your doubts don’t disqualify you; Christ’s presence qualifies you.

Mother’s Day

Mothers are natural disciple-makers. They teach children to tie shoes, say “please,” and pray to Jesus. This Mother’s Day, we honor their role as frontline missionaries in the home. Like the disciples, mothers are called to “go” into their everyday lives—diaper changes, school runs, and late-night talks—to make disciples. And like the disciples, they’re empowered by Christ’s authority and presence.

How do we live out the Great Commission?

So, how do we live out the Great Commission, especially as we celebrate mothers? Here are three practical applications:

 Embrace Your Calling as a Disciple-Maker…

Mothers, need to see their role as sacred. Every moment you teach your child about Jesus—through stories, prayers, or your example—you’re fulfilling the Great Commission. For all of us, we must recognize that discipleship happens where you are.  At work, in your neighborhood, or at home, so look for opportunities to share Christ’s love and truth.

Trust Christ’s Authority and Presence…

When you feel inadequate, remember Jesus’ words: “All authority is mine, and I am with you.” Mothers, lean on Christ when parenting feels overwhelming. Church, trust Him when sharing your faith feels daunting.

Teach and Model Obedience…

Discipleship isn’t just about conversion; it’s about teaching others to obey Christ. Mothers, model forgiveness, generosity, and prayer for your kids. Church, live out Christ’s commands so others see His love in you.

This week, intentionally teach someone a biblical principle—maybe a child, a friend, or a coworker—and model it in your actions.

Celebrating the Mother’s among us…

As we close, let’s celebrate the mothers among us, who embody the Great Commission every day. Matthew 28:16-20 reminds us that we’re all called to make disciples, empowered by Christ’s authority and sustained by His presence. Whether you’re a mother, a father, a student, or a grandparent, perhaps your someone who didn’t choose children of your own, or that wasn’t in God’s planning, you are equally commissioned to follow Jesus by leading others to Him.

This Mother’s Day let’s honor moms by committing to disciple others as they do—with love, patience, and faith. And let’s rest in the promise that Jesus is with us always. Amen.

Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for mothers who reflect Your nurturing heart. Empower us all to make disciples, trusting in Your authority and presence. Bless the mothers here today; may they feel Your love and strength. Guide us to follow You by leading others to Your Son, Jesus. In His name, Amen.