NJ - The Great Commission - Bridging the Gap

Nathan Jones

Bridging the Gap with Community Engagement • Sermon • Submitted 7 years ago

Matthew 28:16–20

Great Commission

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The Church is to be on mission for and with Jesus because of who He is and because of what He does.

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The Great Commission - Bridging the Gap

Bridging the Gap with Community Engagement

The Great Commission Series

Matthew 28:16–20 NKJV

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Oct 18, 2006

Denomination: Baptist

The Church is to be on the mission for and with Jesus because of who He is and what He does.

THE GREAT COMMISSION

Revelation 5:9–14 NKJV

9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.” 11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!” 13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!” 14 Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.

1. A Great Authority v16-18

II. A Great Command; 19-20a.

III. A Great Promise; 20b.

But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated.

Jesus had burst forth in new power from the grave and the now unsealed tomb and had revealed Himself to His disciples. He had invited them to go to a place, a mountain in Galilee which was familiar to them. This designated place was most probably the Mount of Transfiguration, where Jesus was transfigured () and His glory shined forth from His earthly body as Moses and Elijah came to converse with Him. The disciples, especially Peter, James and John would never forget the event or the place where the glory blazed, nor the brilliant cloud that spoke and commanded them to listen to the Beloved Son with whom God was well-pleased.

The Resurrected Lord called them out from the threats and distractions of the great city of Jerusalem to the country side of Galilee away from the Lake of Galilee where the majority of Jesus’ earthly ministry had occurred. There in this quiet and beautiful retreat setting Jesus would reveal Himself and His mission to His disciples and ask them to commit the rest of their life to its completion.

The Resurrected Lord of Life had such an opportunity to share with His loved ones. Jesus had sacrificially died and miraculously risen from the dead. He knew what only God Almighty could know and related it as only the Man Triumphant could. God in human flesh sounded the clarion call that we who have been born again by His blood and Spirit should bring others into a redemptive Master-servant relationship with Him. Have you taken to heart this last word and testament which Jesus left for us in Matthew?

I. A Great Authority; 16-18.

II. A Great Command; 19-20a.

III. A Great Promise; 20b.

But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated.

The Resurrected Lord of Life called them out from the threats and distractions of the great city of Jerusalem to the country side of Galilee away from the Lake of Galilee where the majority of Jesus’ earthly ministry had occurred. There in this quiet and beautiful retreat setting Jesus would reveal Himself and His mission to His disciples and ask them to commit the rest of their life to its completion.

Verse 17 tells the disciples response to seeing Jesus, the resurrected Lord of Life. And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful.

We cannot control how people will receive the message of hope, we just need to bring it to those that are lost.

When they saw Jesus, they worshiped Him. We too need to see and know that Jesus is risen, He has conquered the sin, the devil and the grave. There in living proof He stood. The Sinless One whom sin, the grave and the Devil could not hold. The One worthy of all glory and honour. If our hearts and minds will capture who Jesus Christ really is, it will evoke worship within us.

It speaks volumes to me to know that those men who knew Jesus best would worship Him. These disciples spent day and night with Him for three years. They had seen Him face tremendous challenges of opportunity and opposition. They had seen Him when things were going well and when things were going poorly. They had seen Him when circumstances and antagonist were closing in around Him. They had seen Him when miracles were at His left and right hand and people wanted to make Him King.

These men, these Jewish men, for whom the First and Second Commandments forbid giving worship to any but the One True God, fell down and worshiped Jesus. Worship is reserved for the Lord God alone.

If those who knew Jesus best would proclaim and worship Him as Lord and God then those of us who know Him by the Spirit and faith must join them in worshiping Him as Lord and God. Yes, those who know Jesus best worship Him most.

John 12:32–33 NKJV

32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” 33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die.

John 12:32 NKJV

32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”

John 12 NKJV

1 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. 7 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. 8 For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.” 9 Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus. 12 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!” 14 Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: 15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey’s colt.” 16 His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. 17 Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. 18 For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!” 20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus. 23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. 27 “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” 29 Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.” 30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” 33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die. 34 The people answered Him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them. 37 But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again: 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, Lest they should see with their eyes, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.” 41 These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him. 42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. 44 Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. 46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. 47 And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”

Notice that as they bowed in worship that some were doubtful. Some would not believe unless they touched His pierced side and hands. They wanted physical proof as people who doubt do.

Many will be doubtful, we cannot expect that all will see that Jesus is the Risen Lord of Life as others do, yet Jesus comes and ministers to all.

Verse 18 begins, And Jesus came up and spoke to them.

Notice that the doubts of those doubted could not keep Jesus away from those who worship Him. Jesus has come near and speaks to us. If we will but worship Him, Jesus will draw close and speak His words to us.

We need to hear the word and do it (HEARERS AND DOERS)

We refuse to give Jesus the homage that is His due. We refuse to recognise His worthiness within our own daily life, within our own daily routine and wonder why His Word doesn’t speak to us. Our life is not relaying a message to God that we adore You, love You, and want You to come near as Lord and speak to us.

We need to envision Christ for who He is. We must worship Him in spirit and in truth that He might be given liberty to come and minister His Word among us. Worship is recognising that He is worthy and that we want Him to draw near and minister to lives. We want His ministry within our personal life, within our family, in our everyday life. God, we want You to draw near and speak to us.

within our Bible study class, within the church where Christ has us embodied. God, we want You to draw near and speak to us.

Verse 18 continues, And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth."

Our desire is that Jesus would draw near and speak, that we would get the revelation of the power that has been given to us to do the ministry and complete the task that He has called us to. Do you hear the claim that Jesus makes which only God could make. He says all authority has been given Him in Heaven and on earth. We are a power seeking people and yes God does give power but only after we have received authority. Jesus does have all authority, not only in the heavens above but on the earth in which we live. If we are going to receive legitimate authority, we must receive it from Him.

He would draw near and touch and heal and give us the necessary unction that we need to complete the task that He has called us to. Do hear the claim that Jesus makes which only God could make. He says all authority has been given Him in Heaven and on earth. We are a power seeking people and yes God does give power but only after we have received authority. Jesus does have all authority, not only in the heavens above but on the earth in which we live. If we are going to receive legitimate authority, we must receive it from Him.

Distinguish between power and authority

Suppose that a large truck was coming and you decide to stop it. You place your hands against it, and you stop it right? Well, of course you don’t. You cannot out power a truck on your best day. But I have seen people step out in the middle of a busy street, hold up their arm and big powerful diesel trucks come to a stand still. What’s the difference? The one has on a police officer’s uniform. He has been invested with authority by the people to carry out His assigned task. The officer might not have more power than another man but He has been given more authority, so that he might preform the task that society designates for Him to accomplish.

The centurion with the dying servant knew what authority was all about. Read Luke 7:1-10

Luke 7:1–10 NKJV

1 Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. 2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. 3 So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, 5 “for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.” 6 Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” 10 And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.

He asked Jesus to only say the word and it will be done. He was a man that had authority because he was under authority. We too, if we will reside under the authority of Jesus, will have His authority to carry out the task He assigns us to do. Many of us in our lives do not have the authority to carry out life as we should, because we simply have not come under the authority of Jesus Christ. We reside within our own power and ability to accomplish the temporary things that others are giving their time and energies to do. There is no opportunity for authority and power that God alone can give unless we abide under His Lordship.

He asked Jesus to only say the word and it will be done. He was a man that had authority because he was under authority. We too, if we will reside under the authority of Jesus, will have His authority to carry out the task He assigns us to do. Many of us in our own daily routine have not the authority to carry out life as we should because we simply have not come under the authority of Jesus Christ. We reside within our own power and ability and thus only accomplish the temporary things that others are giving their time and energies to do. There is no opportunity for authority and power that God alone can give unless we abide under His Lordship.

own daily routine have not the authority to carry out life as we should because we simply have not come under the authority of Jesus Christ. We reside within our own power and ability to accomplish the temporary things that others are giving their time and energies to do. There is no opportunity for authority and power that God alone can give unless we abide under His Lordship.

2. A GREAT COMMAND v19-20A

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and Holy Spirit.

To carry out this command we are to go, we are not to wait for people to come to us, we are to go to them. Jesus would have His people on the offensive and not always on the defensive. (GO move Forward)

MOBILITY

In the 1930s, the French built the famed Maginot Line as a defense against German attack. This ultra-modern fortification of concrete barriers and hardened bunkers was considered to be impregnable. Its concrete was thicker and its guns heavier than any the world had ever seen.

But the builders of the Maginot Line had not counted on the Nazi "blitzkrieg" (lightning war), a rapid plan of attack that emphasised speed and mobility. The fabled Maginot Line became a useless pile of concrete in the face of the superior mobility of the German armies.

What is true in warfare is no less true in Christian evangelism. Jesus knew this. He carried his campaign for the hearts of men into the villages, the marketplaces and the open countryside. In the Great Commission, He commanded His disciples to "Go!"

The is an old song and the words go like this: "Like a mighty army moves the church of God" if we are to accomplish our mission we have to get outside of our church buildings, otherwise we will lose the battle. Those who conquer never stand still.

We are commanded to go and make disciples. Make disciples is the key verb in the imperative commission. What is a disciple? Jesus defines who a disciple is in .

Luke 9:23–24 NKJV

23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.

And He was saying to all, "If anyone wishes to come after M, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it."

The third element of Jesus command is baptise. Baptise literally means to immerse. It (1) represents cleansing-purification from sin and sin’s power. Baptism (2) symbolises death and resurrection of both Jesus and ours. It points to our death to fleshly dominated appetites and resurrected to a Spirit controlled life. (3) it is a statement of loyalty and devotion because we follow Jesus’ example .

Matthew 3:11–17 NKJV

11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” 15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. 16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

The next portion of the command is found in the first part of verse 20, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.

3. A GREAT PROMISE v20b

And lo, I am with you all the days, even to the end of the age.

Such a challenging command demands a great promise, and so it has. Jesus promised to be with us all the days of our life.

THE PROMISE THAT KEEPS US GOING

David Livingston was a world-renowned doctor/missionary by the time he returned to his native Scotland to address the students at Glasgow University. The previous sixteen years had been spent in the service of God on the continent of Africa. As he stood before those young men and women, the tremendous price exacted of Livingston was plain to see. More than 27 fevers had coursed through his veins, leaving his body emaciated and ravaged. One arm hung useless at his side, the result of being mangled by a lion.

The core of his message to those young people was: "Shall I tell you what sustained me amidst the toil, the hardship, and loneliness of my exile? It was Christ’s promise, Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end."

What Christ promised to the disciples on the mountain top nearly two thousand years ago is yours today. The presence of God which Livingston experienced can be experienced by you today. The companionship of Jesus Christ is offered to every believer as he or she makes their way through this world.

Jesus by means of His Holy Spirit promised to always be with those fulfilling His Great Commission. Always means all the days. Days of strength as well as days of weakness. Days of success as well as days of failure/joy-affliction/ liberty-temptation/health-sickness/laughter-sadness/wealth-poverty/obedience -disobedience/youth-old age. The day of new life, new birth, and in the day of physical death.

Remember, You will be with Him and He will be with you all the days of your life. You are not alone! Jesus promises, "surely I am with you always, to the very end to the age." It sustained David Livingston, and it can sustain you. Let God be praised for always being there with us, every moment of every day.

The book of Matthew closes with the simple Amen. Amen, let it be, so be it, it is unwaverable, it is unchangeable, steadfast, let it come about!

CONCLUSION

Just suppose that these last words of Jesus recorded in Matthew are the first words Jesus’ will to address to you after your death. How would you respond if He were to ask you if you obeyed His command to make disciples? Who could you present to your loving Lord?

Yes it is good to be part of a church and a missionary sending agency that makes disciples, but don’t hide the talents and gifts you have, nor lose the opportunities God has given you. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few, therefore seek the Lord of the Harvest to send out labourers into His harvest. Don’t just enjoy the blessings and presence of Jesus, but comply with His command.

Maybe you don’t know the daily presence of Jesus. Have you ever truly become His disciple? Listen to His loving voice and take His tender strengthening guiding hand that He is here and now extending to you. Step out in faith right now and come to Him. Find rest for your soul and eternal direction for your life. Come now as the Spirit leads.