The Sumit of Sending

The Great Commission: Our Call to Action

Bible Passage: Matthew 28:16–20

Summary: In this passage, Jesus gives His disciples the Great Commission, instructing them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe all He commanded.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to actively participate in the mission of spreading the Gospel. It reminds us that making disciples is not just for a select few, but a command for all believers, empowering us to overcome fear and hesitation in sharing our faith.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that every Christian is called to be a witness for Christ and to actively engage in the mission of the church, understanding that we each have a role in fulfilling the Great Commission.

How this passage could point to Christ: Jesus embodies the fulfillment of God’s promise to reach all nations. He is the source of authority for the mission, and through His presence, the church is empowered to carry out this calling.

Big Idea: Every believer is called to spread the Gospel and make disciples, empowered by Christ’s authority and presence.

Recommended Study: Consider exploring commentaries in your Logos library focusing on Matthew 28:16-20, particularly on the historical context of the Great Commission. Look at various interpretations of 'nations' and 'teaching' to understand how these concepts have been applied throughout church history. Also, study the linguistic nuances of the Greek terms used in this passage to gain deeper insights into Jesus' command.

1. Worship in Doubt

Matthew 28:16-17

You could reflect on the importance of worship as a response to encountering the risen Christ. As the disciples gather and see Jesus, their immediate response is worship amidst doubt. This dual response highlights a powerful truth: even in uncertainty, Christ deserves our worship. Maybe this reflects the heart posture we need as we participate in the Great Commission, recognizing His worth and responding in reverence, despite our doubts.

2. Authority in Mission

Matthew 28:18

Perhaps, this verse reinforces that Jesus' authority is the foundation for our mission. You could emphasize that the commission is not based on our ability but on Christ's supreme authority. This instills confidence as we share the Gospel, knowing that we carry His authority in our endeavors. Maybe, this authority assures us that no power can thwart our mission, inspiring courage and commitment.

3. Discipleship for All

Matthew 28:19

You could explore the command to 'go and make disciples' as a clear directive for all believers. Each of us participates in God's redemptive plan by actively sharing the Gospel. Consider emphasizing inclusivity in 'all nations,' breaking barriers of culture and language, showing mission work is extensive. This conveys that disciple-making is a shared responsibility, perhaps urging believers to find their role within this calling.

4. Presence in Teaching

Matthew 28:20

Maybe focus on the promise of Christ’s presence as the assurance that empowers us to teach and baptize. His ongoing presence dissolves fears and encourages perseverance. You could highlight the notion that His presence is an eternal promise, ensuring that as we teach others to obey Him, we are never alone in our task. This might encourage persistence and peace as believers fulfill their commission.

The Summit of Sending

Text: Matthew 28:16–20 Big Idea: From the mountaintop, God sends His people into the world with His presence, authority, and promises.

Introduction: Standing on the Mountaintop

There’s something about standing on a mountaintop that changes your perspective. You can see farther. The air feels different. You realize how small you are, and how big the world is.

All throughout Scripture, God meets His people on mountaintops — moments of revelation, transformation, and commissioning. Moses receives the Law on Mount Sinai. Elijah hears God’s still, small voice on Mount Horeb. Jesus is transfigured before His disciples on a mountain, and now — in this passage — the risen Christ gathers His followers on another mountain.

Imagine hiking a steep trail to a mountain peak. With every step, you're sweating, breathing hard, and thinking about giving up. But once you hit the summit, everything changes. Below, the landscape unfolds, and you see everything in context. This mirrors how God often reveals His plans in our lives at the 'mountaintops' of experience - moments of breakthrough and clarity, as with Jesus’ transfiguration. It’s easy to get mired down in the valley, but let’s remember - giants are easier to spot from the top!

And here, at this summit of sending, Jesus doesn’t tell them to stay and enjoy the view. He sends them down — into the valleys, the cities, and the nations. From this mountaintop, the mission of the church begins.

Let’s walk through this passage together and see what Jesus teaches us about our calling, His authority, and His presence.

1. Worship in Doubt — The Call to Go (Matthew 28:16–17)

“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.”

Isn’t that remarkable? These are the same disciples who saw Jesus die and now see Him alive — and yet, some doubted. And still, Jesus meets them. He doesn’t scold them or send them away. He invites them into worship, and then into mission.

This tells us something beautiful about our God: Faith and doubt often coexist, and Jesus can handle both.

Maybe you’ve felt that tension — wanting to trust God fully, yet unsure of what the future holds. Even in that space, Jesus says, “Come. Follow Me. I have something for you to do.”

The Great Commission isn’t given to the flawless or the fearless — it’s given to ordinary followers who still wrestle with uncertainty. And yet, Jesus sends them anyway.

The Call to Go isn’t for the perfect — it’s for the willing. If you’re waiting to have every question answered before you step into God’s calling, you may never move. But if you’re willing to trust Him amid uncertainty, He can use you right where you are.

2. Authority in Mission — The Authority of Christ (Matthew 28:18)

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.’”

Picture a group of friends hiking up a mountain to witness the sunset. When they arrived at the peak, some threw their hands up in the air, praising the beauty around them, while others stood back with uncertainty, questioning if they’d actually seen the view before them. This is how the disciples felt—it’s natural to experience both worship and doubt in life’s journey, especially when encountering something divine.

Before giving the command, Jesus gives the context: His authority. He’s not sending us out on our own — He’s giving us His power, His backing, His name.

Imagine being sent out by someone who has authority — a police officer, a diplomat, or an ambassador. Their words carry weight because they represent someone greater.

That’s what Jesus is saying: “You go in My authority.”

Think of a student who’s nervous about giving a presentation, but then their teacher steps in to say, 'You’ve got this; I’m right behind you.' That’s exactly what Jesus does! He sends us into the world with His authority, backing us up as we share our faith and tackle life’s challenges, reminding us we’re never alone!

We don’t share the Gospel out of guilt or duty — we do it out of confidence in the One who rules over heaven and earth.

When Jesus says “all authority,” He means there’s no corner of this world outside His reign. No government, no ideology, no spiritual force can overrule Him.

So when you walk into your workplace, your neighborhood, your family — you walk in the authority of Christ. You carry the message of the King of Kings.

That gives us courage. Even when we face resistance, we remember: The One who sends us is greater than anything we face.

3. Discipleship for All — The Call to Make Disciples (Matthew 28:19)

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

This is where the mission takes shape. Jesus says, “Go and make disciples of all nations.”

Notice, He doesn’t say, “Go and make converts.” He calls us to make disciples — lifelong learners, followers, and imitators of Jesus.

Imagine you’re not just throwing seeds on the ground hoping something will grow. No, you’re planting a garden! It takes time, effort, and nurturing to see the fruits of your labor. Making disciples is similar; it’s about investing in people’s journeys, walking alongside them, and watching them blossom into faithful followers of Christ.

And He says “of all nations.” In Greek, that phrase means all people groups — every ethnicity, every culture, every community. The Gospel isn’t bound by geography or language. It’s for everyone.

That means mission starts right where you are. For some, “going” means crossing oceans. For others, it means crossing the street.

Maybe it’s inviting a coworker to church. Maybe it’s mentoring a young believer. Maybe it’s showing kindness to someone who’s been overlooked.

Every act of faithfulness contributes to the larger mission of God.

Every believer is called to participate in the Great Commission. This isn’t just for pastors, missionaries, or theologians — it’s for you. God has placed you uniquely where you are for a reason.

So where is God calling you to go this week? Who might He be nudging you to reach?

4. Presence in Teaching — The Promise of Presence (Matthew 28:20)

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Jesus ends with a promise. He doesn’t just send us — He goes with us.

This is the heartbeat of the Great Commission. God’s presence has always been the difference-maker for His people. When Moses hesitated to lead Israel, God said, “My presence will go with you.” When Joshua faced the Promised Land, God said, “Be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God is with you.”

Remember the story of Moses at the burning bush? He felt totally unqualified to lead Israel, but God reassured him by saying, 'I will be with you.' It’s like being asked to give a speech in front of a large audience. You may feel nervous, but the knowledge that God is standing right beside you makes all the difference! His presence turns our anxieties into confidence.

Now Jesus says the same to His followers — “I am with you always.”

That means He’s with you when conversations about faith feel awkward. He’s with you when the mission feels too big. He’s with you in your fear, your fatigue, and your uncertainty.

The power of the mission is not in our ability, but in His presence. And that presence never leaves.

Key Takeaways

God calls each of us personally to participate in His mission.

Christ’s authority and Spirit equip us for obedience.

God’s presence goes with us in every circumstance.

Application Questions

Where is God calling you to go this week?

How can you share Christ’s love in your school, workplace, or neighborhood?

Do you trust that God’s presence will go with you as He promised?

Conclusion: The View from the Summit

At the summit, Jesus gives His disciples their mission — and it’s the same one He gives to us today. We’re not called to stay on the mountaintop, admiring the view. We’re called to go into the valleys, the streets, the nations — carrying His love, His authority, and His presence.

The Great Commission is the church’s heartbeat — and it starts with each of us saying, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.”

So as you step off this mountaintop moment, remember: You go in His name, under His authority, and with His unshakable presence.

And when you do, the world changes — one disciple at a time.

Sermon notes:

Text: Matthew 28:16-20

Big Idea: From the mountaintop, God sends His people into the world with His presence, authority, and promises. ---

Worship in Doubt - The Call to Go "When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted."

Fill in the blanks: - Faith and ______ often coexist. - The Great Commission isn't given to the ______ or the ______ - it's given to ordinary followers. - The Call to Go isn't for the ______ - it's for the ______.

Reflection: Where have you hesitated to follow God because of uncertainty? ---

Authority in Mission - The Authority of Christ "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me."

Fill in the blanks: - Jesus gives the ______ before He gives the command. - We don't share the Gospel out of ______ or ______, but out of confidence in the One who reigns.

 Reflection: How does knowing you go in Christ's authority give you courage? ---

Discipleship for All - The Call to Make Disciples "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..."

Fill in the blanks: - Jesus didn't say "make converts"; He said "make ______." - Mission starts where you _____.  

For some, "going" means crossing oceans. For others, it means crossing the ______.

Reflection: Who is one person God may be calling you to invest in spiritually this week? ---

Presence in Teaching - The Promise of Presence "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

         Fill in the blanks: - God's presence turns our ____                                                                                     into ______. - Jesus' final promise: "I am ______ ______ always."

Reflection: Where do you most need to remember that God is with you right now? ---

Application

Questions 1. Where is God calling you to go this week?

2. How can you share Christ's love in your daily life?

3. Do you trust that God's presence goes with you?

 "Here I am, Lord. Send me." - Isaiah 6:8