The Great Commission

Recap

we looked into the book of 1 Cor 15, where the Apostle Paul described the resurrected Christ appearance to many groups and individuals. Three stand outs by name were: Cephas, also known as Peter, who previously denied Jesus 3 times on the night he was betrayed while on his was to take on the sins of the world; He also appeared to James, half brother to Jesus and unbeliever until after Jesus appears to him personally following his death and burial. And lastly he revealed himself to Paul, formally Saul the conquer and killer of Christians in the name of God.

Denier

Disbeliever

Delusional Righteousness and all went on to become used mightily for God’s glory. This is directly proportional to God’s Grace defined as God’s attention and favor (preferred before others of the same kind) toward us, that is neither earned nor deserved.

Background

Matthew authored in AD 60 by Matthew (Levi), a tax collector and one of Jesus’ 12 disciples, to a Jewish Christian audience.

Purpose: To show Jesus as the Son of David, the Kingly Messiah who fulfills prophecy.

Outline: Preparing the way (1-4); Jesus in Galilee (5-18), Jesus’ last days in Judea and Jerusalem (19-27); Resurrection and Great Commission (28)

To the Eleven

Matthew 28:16–17 “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.”

Authority of Jesus

Matthew 28:18 “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

Jesus is presented as the sovereign Lord, echoing Daniel 7:14 “And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.”

Mission to All Nations

Matthew 28:19 “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,”

The mission is no longer limited to Israel but it’s universal

“Make disciples” is the main verb; “go” “baptizing,” and “teaching” describe the how

Trinitarian Formula

Matthew 28:19 “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,”

The foundational verse for the doctrine of the Trinity

Teaching and Obedience

Matthew 28:20 “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””

Discipleship involves both conversion (baptism) and ongoing obedience (teaching)

Presence of Jesus

Matthew 28:20 “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

-Echoes God’s covenant presence in the Old Testament Exodus 3:12 “He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.””

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.””