See, Do, Teach

Opening Story

I am reading a great book called Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Dr. Megan Meeker. Reading through the book I learned that Dr.’s have a procedure they call “Watch it, do it, teach it.” They watch another doctor to a procedure then they are expected to do the procedure themselves. Once they’ve done it, they are expected to teach another doctor to do it.

I believe that is exactly what we see in the ministry of Jesus and His disciples. We see in scripture that Jesus would teach, preach, heal, cast out demons and do miracles. He disciples would carefully watch every step he would take. He then sent them out to do those exact same things. We know that before Jesus began His ministry that He was baptized by John the Baptist and God willing we will talk about that next week. But now are going to fast forward to the end of Christ ministry time here on earth.

Question

Today we are going to look at the final words of Christ on earth according to Matthew. As we study this let’s ask ourselves some questions.

Have we seen Jesus live out ministry in scripture and in our lives?

Are we doing ministry in our own lives today?

Are we teaching others about Christ and teaching them to do ministry? (That is called making a disciple.)

As we look at The Great Commission today, do we believe these instructions are for us today or just for those disciples at that time? If we believe they are for us today, (Which I do.) are we living them out in our daily lives?

Text

Matthew 28:16–20 CSB

16 The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 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, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:16–17 CSB

16 The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted.

Eleven disciples are present. All but Judas. They see Christ but some doubted.

Eleven disciples are present. All but Judas. They see Christ but some doubted.

No mass hallucination.

Matthew 28:18 CSB

18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.

Some doubted.

Don’t believe that you are less spiritual if doubt passes through your mind.

The Greek word here actually means that they were puzzled. They didn’t understand everything that was going on.

The disciples are struggling to comprehend what they are witnessing.

Matthew 28:18 CSB

18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.

Matthew 28:18

When Jesus was being tempted by Satan, Satan offered Him kingdoms on earth but now God has given Him “All authority” over everything in heaven and everything on earth.

Jesus points this out, I believe, to make it clear that He was in charge. He was giving them their marching orders and He would be with them while they carried those orders out.

What are the marching orders?

Matthew 28:19 CSB

19 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,

The disciples’ were charged to reproduce themselves. To make more disciples.

Go. Go where? Does this only mean to leave your home country to make disciples? No.

Go is instructing us to leave our comfort zones and yes travel outside our home country but that we are called to make disciples everywhere. Starting right where you are. But, you will need to leave your comfort zone.

Baptizing.

To dip.

Next week I will be preaching on baptism followed by an informational class. Last week Pastor Duane spoke on baptism. In a couple weeks we are going to do baptisms and this right here is why we do it. Because Christ told us to do it.

This act would associate a believer with Jesus Christ.

Must you understand everything about Baptism to get baptized? No. I don’t understand everything about prayer but I do it and I do it because Christ told me to.

Matthew 28:20

Matthew 28:20 CSB

20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

If non-believers are not hearing the gospel then we are being disobedient.

We are to teach everything Christ has commanded. All of our teaching must be centered on the teachings of Christ. Don’t get sidetracked.

The final words are vital for us to realize and remember. Christ is and will always be with us and we carry out His instructions.

Application

How does this all apply to us?

See it. See it in God’s Word. See it in the loves of Christians around you.

Do it. Do what you are called to do. Do it in your house, in your workplace, in your school. But to borrow a line from Nike - Just do it!

Teach it. Once we have done our part in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that person has repented of their sins and proclaim Jesus as Lord and Savior. Teach them to make disciples themselves.

Challenge

Simple question.

How are you going to live out the great commission this week? Even today?