Sent to Make Disciples

Sent to Make Disciples (Matthew 28:18–20)

Church, when people ask, “Why church?” one of the clearest biblical answers is: because Jesus has sent His people. The church is not only a place we gather—it is a people on mission.

But before we talk about the mission, we have to talk about Easter, because Matthew 28 is an Easter chapter. This command comes from the risen Christ—after the cross, after the tomb, after death was defeated.

Here’s the key truth I want us to feel today:

Without Jesus’ sacrifice, there is no need for what Matthew 28:18–20 directs us to do. Because without the cross, there is no forgiveness to announce. And without the resurrection, there is no risen Lord to obey. No cross, no gospel. No resurrection, no authority. So no gospel, no Great Commission.

Opening Prayer

Father in Heaven, Thank You for the cross of Jesus Christ and the victory of the empty tomb. Thank You that our faith rests on a finished sacrifice and a living Savior. As we open Your Word, give us awe at the authority of the risen Christ and gratitude for the mercy purchased by His blood. Help us see clearly that the church has a mission only because Jesus died and rose again.

Lord, send The Church of Good Hope with gospel courage and gospel clarity. Make us a disciple-making church—not merely gathering crowds, but helping people follow Jesus in obedience and joy. Prepare hearts today to respond—some to be sent, and some to come to Christ for the first time. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let’s read Matthew 28:18–20.

Matthew 28:18–20 “Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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 everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””

1) The Mission Begins with the Risen Christ (v. 18)

Jesus begins: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”

That means the mission of the church does not start with our talent, our personality, or our plans. It starts with the authority of Jesus Christ.

Easter declares that the One who was crucified is now the reigning King. He didn’t just survive Friday—He conquered the grave on Sunday. Now He speaks as Lord over all.

Application: We go because He reigns. We obey because He has authority. The mission is not built on our strength—it is built on His victory.

2) No Cross, No Commission (Easter Foundation)

This is the heart of the message.

Jesus doesn’t give the Great Commission before the cross. He gives it after the cross and resurrection. Why? Because the mission of the church is built on the message of the gospel.

Without the cross: there is no atonement, no forgiveness, no reconciliation.

Without the resurrection: there is no risen King, no living hope, no triumph over death.

So when Jesus says, “Go therefore,” He’s not sending us with empty religious advice. He’s sending us with the announcement:

Christ died for sins and rose again, and now He saves all who repent and believe.

That’s why the church goes.

Clear message: If Jesus did not die and rise, there is no mission—because there would be no salvation to proclaim. But because He did, we have the greatest news on earth and the greatest mission on earth.

3) The Mission Is to Make Disciples, Not Just Gather Crowds (v. 19)

Jesus says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”

Not “make church attenders.” Not “make fans.” Not “make a crowd.” Make disciples.

A disciple is someone who:

trusts Jesus,

follows Jesus,

learns Jesus’ ways,

obeys Jesus’ commands.

The church exists to help people move from: curious → convinced → committed → growing → multiplying.

Application: A church can be busy and still be off mission. The mission is discipleship—people becoming like Jesus.

4) The Mission Includes Baptizing and Teaching (vv. 19–20)

Jesus gives two key actions:

Baptizing — public identification with Christ. Baptism says: “I belong to Jesus. I have died with Him and been raised to new life.”

Teaching — lifelong obedience. Not merely teaching information, but teaching them “to observe everything I have commanded you.”

So disciple-making is both:

evangelism (bringing people to Christ)

formation (helping people obey Christ)

Application: Church matters because discipleship is not meant to be done alone. The church is where we learn obedience together.

5) The Mission Continues with Christ’s Presence (v. 20)

Jesus ends with a promise: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

This is the comfort of the Great Commission: The One who sends us also stays with us.

We don’t go alone. We go with the presence of the risen Jesus.

Application: When we feel inadequate, He is with us. When we feel afraid, He is with us. When we feel tired, He is with us.

Conclusion and Call

So why church?

Because Jesus died, rose, and reigns—and He sends His people.

His authority starts the mission.

His cross and resurrection create the message.

His command gives direction.

His presence gives strength.

And here’s the Easter-centered line to take home: Without Jesus’ sacrifice, there is no need for what Matthew 28:18–20 directs us to do—because there is no gospel to carry and no King to obey. But because Jesus died and rose, the church is sent with the only hope that saves.

This Week’s Next Steps

for the cross and resurrection. Thank Jesus

by name who needs the gospel. Pray for one person

invite, share, follow up, encourage, or teach. Take one disciple-making step:

And if you’re not in Christ: before you “go,” you must “come.” Come to the crucified and risen Savior. Repent and believe.

Closing Prayer (Week 4)

Father, Thank You for speaking to us through Your Word. Thank You that Jesus is our risen King with all authority, and thank You that His sacrifice is enough to forgive, cleanse, and reconcile. Forgive us for times we’ve treated the Great Commission like an optional program instead of our mission. Renew our love for the gospel and our compassion for people who are far from You.

Send us out in the power of the resurrection. Put one name on our hearts, one step in our path, and one opportunity before us to point someone to Jesus. Help us make disciples with patience, clarity, and love—and keep us confident in the promise: Christ is with us always. In His name we pray, Amen.