The Great Commission
June 27, 2020
Commentary
Jesus promised to meet with his disciples on a mountain in Galilee (v. 16). It is not for certain which mountain this was. Some commentators identify this meeting with the appearance to more than 500 as referred to in (I Cor. 15:6). Although Matthew does not record it Jesus had appeared to the disciples twice already in Jerusalem. This was a significant meeting as it was announced three times (Matt. 26:32; 28:7; 10). Some of those present still “doubted” in the resurrection (v. 17). God has set up this world so that an element of faith is always required to connect with Him. Why did some doubt? Had Jesus’ appearance dramatically changed? The real question is, will we trust Him?
This final passage is often referred to as “The Great Commission,” although it is really no greater than the other Gospels (vv. 18-20). However, Jesus did make an astounding and comprehensive claim. He said that “all authority had been given to Him in heaven and on earth.” He was instructing His disciples to go on the basis of that authority. Their area of service was to include all nations and not just Israel. They were to make disciples of their converts so that they might be able to teach others (Mark 3:13). Those who believed were to be baptized (v. 19). The final words of the Lord recorded in Matthew were a promise that He would be with them always until the very end. Although He did not remain physically, His spiritual presence was with them as it is with us (v. 20).
Application
What do I see as my responsibility in fulfilling the Great Commission? Many Church members would rather be cheer leaders than to fulfill the great commission of disciplining others. I need to be looking for ways I can reach the lost and build up the saved.
Matthew 28:16– 20 (NET)
16 So the eleven disciples went to Galilee to the mountain Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Illustration: The Shuizhai Christian Church
More than 2,000 people attended the March 21, 1992, thanksgiving service of the newly-built Shuizhai Christian Church in Wuhua, China, a hilly county about eight hours by bus from Guangzhou city, Asia Lutheran Press Service reported. A 21-member delegation from Hong Kong’s Tsung Tsin Mission attended the service. The group assisted some 30 Chinese churches in the Wuhua area, and contributed most of the funds for the building of Shuizhai Christian Church. The church is recognized by the local religious affairs bureau and follows the “three-self” principle (self-propagating, self-governing and self-supporting) that registered Christian churches must follow inside China. Many evangelical churches in China remain unregistered to avoid government regulation, but they also face the risk of closure by government officials. (Encyclopedia of Illustrations #453).