What Should I Do?
Growing a Heart for Evangelism • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Introduction
Introduction
Evangelism is both a scheduled and an unscheduled habit in the life of a faithful Christian. Jesus has left us a great task and He expects a great effort. In our passage this morning, we see a second motivator for Growing a Heart for Evangelism.
Where does evangelism come from? In the Bible, we see Jesus speaking of Himself to those who are like lost sheep. Today, those that Jesus has left behind are to give the Gospel to the world. Evangelism comes from the heart that has experienced the salvation that only Jesus brings. Paul told the Thessalonian church,
For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
Do you have a heart for evangelism? In our series this fall, ask God to grow your heart to bring the message of salvation to the lost around you. Our hearts are evil, yet God can work through us to see the lost come to Jesus.
Will you let God grow a heart for evangelism in you today?
In our passage this morning, Jesus has now risen from the dead. The beginning of chapter 28 records Matthew’s Resurrection story. Together with our passage this morning, we see both the content and mandate for evangelism. Calvary without an empty tomb would be worthless to save. Both are part of what we are to tell the world about today.
As we saw last week, God has done excellent things. In our passage this morning, we get a clearer glimpse of what those things are for the sin of the human race. Jesus died on the cross but the grave could not keep Him and on Sunday morning He arose alive.
In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
Verses 16-20 of the chapter take place on this mountain in Galilee. Jesus has kept His promise and He lives today. What will He say this morning to us about the importance of Growing a Heart for Evangelism?
Declaration
Declaration
Jesus no longer makes disciples physically here on earth. His Resurrection shows His Deity and Authority over even death. Today, we must heed His command to make disciples by teaching and baptizing those who receive the message of His Death and Resurrection. Two promises surround a command in our passage this morning.
1. Jesus Promises His Authority
1. Jesus Promises His Authority
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
The promises of the Bible are what give us confidence in the prophecies of the Bible. God keeps His promises. We can see this in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. God told Noah to get into the ark and He remembered Noah. God told Abraham that he would have a son and, many years later, Isaac was born. God told Paul that he would testify for Jesus in Rome and despite the terrible storm, all those on the ship arrived at land safely. The promises of the Bible are what give us confidence in the prophecies of the Bible.
Our passage in Matthew gives us two promises of Jesus to those hear and read the Bible. Only those who have accepted the free gift of salvation may claim these. Is that you today?
In verse 16, we see the arrival of the disciples at a mountain in Galilee. Often, I picture this scene occurring at the Mount of Olives in Acts 1. Yet Matthew is clear, this was a mountain in the north of the Palestine, the area that Jesus had spent most of His earthly ministry. As we saw earlier in the chapter, this was where Jesus had called them to come and meet Him.
The reaction of those gathered is not what we would expect. Verse 17 tells us that “they worshipped him: but some doubted.” It seems that the meaning of “doubted” is more like a “hesitation” than a doubt like Thomas had in John 20. This is an unusual greeting for the Person that has just risen from the dead.
Whatever the reasoning for the “doubting”, see how Jesus responds in verse 18. He gives them the first of the two promises in this passage. Something that happened in eternity past is now being acknowledged.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Jesus is God. We know this from countless clear and implied statements in Scripture. Jesus uses this word “power” that shows His authority. Why does He give this promise here? Because only His authority can guarantee salvation to the world. Paul commands the Philippian church,
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The only authority to speak the truth that we have is that of Jesus Christ. The only way we have that authority is through His Word. When I stand weekly to preach, I do not tell my opinions, thoughts, or hopes. I preach the Word of God. His authority is all that we have to offer salvation to a world that is lost in their sin. Paul sees this clearly,
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Jesus tells the disciples here that what was already a reality from eternity past is now applied to their future ministry to the lost world. This passage is the fulfillment of a vision of the prophet Daniel. As Jesus uses the name “Son of Man” in His ministry, He is seen here as God as well.
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
The first promise that Jesus gives to believers this morning is His authority. He is in control and He will never cease to be. From this promise, Jesus moves to a command.
2. Jesus Commands His Message
2. Jesus Commands His Message
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
A promise from the Bible is a wonderful companion to a command from the Bible. We find this command in verses 19-20. Called “The Great Commission”, this passage reminds us of the other commission stories in the Bible such as Moses and Joshua. Jesus speaks to these gathered and to the church this morning to “make disciples”.
The steps given here are simple. The steps are 1) Go, 2) Teach, 3) Baptize, and 4) Teach. One is a command and the other three are participles in the Greek that help us to see what comes along with the command. This morning, Jesus calls us to follow His example when He was here on earth.
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
The first step is “go ye therefore”. Throughout the centuries, some have taught that the Christian life is best lived in seclusion or asceticism. There are the writings of the “Desert Fathers” who spent their time as hermits in caves near Palestine. Yet, we see here that we are to live and work in a world that needs the good news. Begin where you are speaking what God has done for you. As you are going, obey this command.
The second step is “teach all nations” in verse 19. The word “teach” in verse 19 is different from the Greek word for teaching in verse 20. Jesus is commanding those listening and us today to “make disciples”. While we go, we make disciples. While we are making disciples, the next aspects of the journey behind Jesus is baptism and systematic teaching. A disciple is someone who is following Christ. There must be a repentance or “change of mind” from following this world to following Jesus. This is the essence of discipleship. A change has taken place. Luke records of the ministry of Paul in Acts the other use of this verb as an action in the New Testament,
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
What can cause a person to change their mind? Why would someone choose to follow Jesus? What makes disciples? Mark explain,
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
The Gospel is what changes lives. The Gospel is the good news that, though we are born sinners, our sin has been taken away by what Jesus did. Paul again helps us to see this clearly,
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Making disciples not only needs clarification for content but also audience. Jesus commands us, “teach all nations”. Even in the Old Testament, salvation is to be offered to both Jews and Gentiles by the Messiah.
And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, That thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
The third step is “baptizing them”. The word “baptize” or “baptizo” is always used in both New Testament Greek and secular Greek for completely submerging someone or something in water. Thus we can say that Jesus tells us to immerse those who become disciples. No other application or interpretation is possible. So Baptists have always believed and the Bible has taught.
The baptismal formula “name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” shows us the Trinity here in Matthew. A singular “name” is mentioned as God is Three Persons existing in one Divine Essence. Even from the beginning, God is the center of this act of commitment and identification for the believer.
The final step is “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” in verse 20. This second word “teach” is what we would normally be familiar with as teaching. Jesus instructed the disciples throughout His ministry and that truth is to be passed on to those who become disciples. True obedience to the Great Commission involves ongoing training and teaching in the Christian community, the church that Jesus founded. WE do just what Jesus did on earth but under His authority not ours.
And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
What are we to teach? We are to teach disciples to follow the clear commandments of Jesus. Each one of us is called to be involved in teaching others. We find these in the Word of God and especially in the Gospels. In all of the manuscripts of the Greek New Testament in existence, the Gospels only are found in most of them. We can see throughout the history of the church the vital importance of what Jesus wants His disciples to be and live as. In the Upper Room Discourse, Jesus spoke
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
How can we follow all the commands of Jesus? We who are sinful people. We who are bent toward rebellion against God? Only through Jesus.
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The change in the heart required of a disciple is only made possible when that one places his trust in the finished work of Jesus alone. Friend, have you ever done that today? The Gospel is not just for the nations but it is also for you. The Philippian jailer asks the classic question about the Gospel and Paul answers,
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
As one writer tells us,
Matthew–Luke Response
Jesus, knowing no one would fully obey his commands, took upon himself the consequences of human disobedience.
Making disciples is the result of teaching the Gospel. When we give the specifics of what Jesus has done at Calvary and the empty tomb for the sins of the world, we speak with His authority. The steps are clear. All they require is obedience.
3. Jesus Promises His Presence
3. Jesus Promises His Presence
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
The second of the two promises brings us from the present into the future. Just as Jesus has all authority, He is present with us as God. His Omnipresence gives us comfort knowing that He is both the Sacrifice and the High Priest who has offered. He is the one that died and rose again and He is the One who works with us to the end of time.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The word “end” here is the final section or the completion of something. Jesus is with us until all is said and done. We see here an eschatological or “last days” idea. Jesus has given this task of the Great Commission, His authority, and finally His presence until we spend eternity with Him. The “world” is the age or time of history. Jesus prophesied of that future day in chapter 24,
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Twenty-Six: The King’s Victory (Matthew 28)
Dr. G. Campbell Morgan told about an experience in his life that involved this statement. Early in his Christian life, Morgan used to visit several ladies once a week to read the Bible to them. When he came to the end of Matthew’s Gospel, Morgan read, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of this age.” He added, “Isn’t that a wonderful promise?” One of the ladies quickly replied, “Young man, that is not a promise—it is a fact!”
As Matthew began his Gospel, so it ends. Jesus is with us “alway, even unto the end of the world” because He is Emmanuel. Jesus is “God with us.”
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
The promise of God’s presence brings us to the end of history. He is there for us when we fear what people will say. He is there when we are discouraged without seeing fruit. He is there through it all.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Jesus no longer makes disciples physically here on earth. His Resurrection shows His Deity and Authority over even death. Today, we must heed His command to make disciples by teaching and baptizing those who receive the message of His Death and Resurrection.
Are you involved in this Great Commission? We are talking about Growing a Heart for Evangelism. This morning, we see the motivator of Jesus’ Authority and Presence. The steps are clear. Are we doing them?
If you have never accepted the free gift of salvation, accept it today. If you are not involved, choose to be involved today.
The story is told about a man named John Harper. He was an evangelist from the British Isles. Harper was born in 1872 and became a Christian at age 14. Stirred to see others come to Christ, he began telling others about his faith. At age 17, he chose to become an evangelist. He wanted to give others the good news that Jesus has died for the sins of the world and offers new life to those who believe.
His tenacity brought him meetings at the Moody Church in Chicago around the turn of the century. Traveling across the Atlantic Ocean was still treacherous in those days but he made it safely across. Those first meetings went well. When he was invited again, he chose to take his only daughter Nana and a younger cousin with him. We know some of what happened next from his daughter’s memory.
The ship that they traveled on was the Titanic. When the ship struck the iceberg, Nana and the cousin were able to get on one of the lifeboats and were safe from the wreck. Harper, however, was left adrift on the debris from the sinking ship. A Scotsman remembered later what then occurred.
Harper drifted near this man and asked a simple question, “Man are you saved?” When the Scotsman replied that he was not, Harper continued, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Harper then drifted away into the night.
Later, Harper drifted back toward the Scotsman. “Are you saved now?”, he asked. Again the reply was a no. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,” Harper repeated. Soon after, he sank beneath the waves.
The testimony of the Scotsman was that, on the floating debris in the cold Atlantic, on that night of tragedy, he accepted Jesus as Saviour. The determining factor was the faithful evangelism of a dying man to believe on Jesus.
(The Gospel & Personal Evangelism, by Mark Dever, pg. 13-15)
What should I do? Jesus tells us wherever we are to make disciples. Are you faithfully telling others what Jesus did on the cross for them? Today, you can begin to and that is what Jesus asks of us today.
