The Kingdom: Relationships Matter (Matthew 28:16-20) (2)

Over the past few weeks, we have spent time focusing on relationships.

Believers invest in one another more than they invest in anything else. () We can’t live alone.

When we love each other well, the church gains favor. ()

This means we get over our differences in order to pursue the kingdom.

We need DEEP friendships like David and Jonathon. ()

These are ceremonial and sacrificial.

I want to end this section of study on one more facet of Christian relationships.

Zack discipled me.

The relationship that grows through discipleship is the most important kingdom relationship a Christian can have.

Matthew 28:16–20 NASB95

16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up 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 the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

1. A life that few will choose. (v. 16-17)

Matthew 28:16–17 NASB95

16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful.

When Jesus began His 3 year ministry, He chose 12 disciples to follow Him.

Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, Simon, Jude, and Judas.

He healed many people, preached to thousands, died and rose from the dead and did so in the presence of the masses.

He still had an inner circle.

He called His disciples to meet Him at a mountain to give them marching orders.

They gathered and worshipped Him. He was the messiah.

And there was doubt...

The Greek word implies hesitation or indecision.

The disciples were struggling to comprehend what they were seeing.

Amidst their worship was anxiety, fear, and trembling.

Think of the roller coaster of emotions they experienced?

Every disciple will experience this emotion.

The disciples experienced what you and I experience.

We all have to deal with the truth that following Jesus will cost us.

What is the cost?

Heaven and earth stand before and we must decide which kingdom we want to pursue.

If we don’t choose earth, we will suffer as a result during our time here.

Few are wiling to suffer for a season in order to pursue the greatness of eternity.

The masses won’t choose discipleship. There is one voice calling you in that direction.

2. A life backed up by authority (v. 18)

Matthew 28:18 NASB95

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

No one had to say anything for Jesus to be aware of their thinking.

Jesus provided an answer to all of the doubt surrounding them.

Jesus broke the silence and began to speak to them.

Jesus reassured His disciples in verse 18.

Because of His death and Resurrection, Jesus was given full authority over Heaven and Earth.

was fullfilled

Daniel 7:13–14 NASB95

13 “I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him. 14 “And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed.

Jesus always had authority in earth but now had received all authority.

In , Satan offered Jesus ‘all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them’; now by way of suffering obedience, He has recieved far more than Satan could offer, all authority in Heaven and on earth.

Authority is important.

Wayne Cauthorn allowing me and my college friends to go to the Mavs game.

Jesus had full authority over everything in this world and Heaven.

Has full access.

As a result, we don’t have to doubt what’s happening in our lives when we are being led by God.

If He has a purpose for you, there is no reason to doubt.

His main purpose is the kingdom of God that has been established.

Because of His authority, there is nothing that can stop His kingdom from being a reality.

“I’m not talented”, “I’m not smart enough”, “I can’t afford it”, or “I’m not popular enough” are not viable excuses anymore.

You don’t have the authority. Authority belongs to Jesus Christ.

3. A life that focuses on bringing up others. (v. 19-20)

Matthew 28:19–20 NASB95

19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

The task given to the disciples was to reproduce themselves by going, baptizing, and teaching people to follow Christ.

His universal Lordship demands a universal mission.

They were no long confined to Israel alone. The kingdom is not based on race but on a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Being baptized means that we are committed to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

They were to do this until Jesus comes back the 2nd time.

Teaching what? (They were to take His role on earth.)

Making converts

Baptizing

Building up in the Christian Instruction

I heard the word disciple in church for a long time and had no idea what it meant.

Discipleship is key to everything God is calling for His people.

We spend our life investing in one another spiritually.

Types of Discipleship:

Traditional model -

Co-laborers -

Community -

It’s caught, not taught.

Daily Living

Key Piece to our life.