Series Big Idea: "Equipping our congregation to embrace and fulfill the Great Commission"

Sermon Big Idea: "Jesus has called us to make disciples of all nations, spreading the good news of salvation"

Key Scripture (Matthew 28:16-20)

I am beginning a brand-new sermon series today that I am praying will help us prepare our hearts and hands as we share the Gospel with our community this summer. The first sermon comes from Matthew 28:16-20. These are the final words of Jesus before ascending to heaven after His resurrection and have become known as the Great Commission. These words have served as a rallying cry for the Church for nearly 2,000 years. Yet do we truly understand the significance of these words? Today, I want us to unpack Matthew 28:16-20 to gain a deeper understanding of the Great Commission and its redemptive meaning.

(Matthew 28:16-20)

16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Then 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."

After Jesus' death and resurrection, He appeared to His disciples multiple times. He was reaffirming their faith and giving them instructions (Acts 1:3-9). In this passage, the eleven disciples, minus Judas who had betrayed Jesus, went to the mountain where Jesus had instructed them to go (Matthew 28:16).

The disciples had probably experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. They had followed Jesus for several years now, witnessed His miracles, and believed He was the Messiah. But their world turned upside down when He was crucified. However, Jesus' resurrection proved that he was indeed the Son of God (Romans 1:4), and their faith was restored. It was in this context that Jesus gave them the Great Commission.

First, Jesus affirms his authority, declaring that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). With this authority, He commands the disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. This was a radical idea because the Jewish people believed they were God's chosen people, and salvation was only for them (John 8:33). But Jesus was now calling them to go beyond their borders and share the good news with everyone (Matthew 28:19).

Secondly, Jesus instructed them to baptize and to teach the disciples to observe all that He had commanded them. Baptism was a symbol of repentance and commitment to following Jesus. It was also a public declaration of a person's faith in Jesus. Teaching was crucial because it helped new believers grow in their faith and understanding of Jesus' teachings.

The Great Commission is the culmination of God's redemptive plan for all humanity. Through Jesus, all nations can now have access to salvation and eternal life (John 3:16). It is a call for believers to continue the work of redemption by sharing the gospel and making disciples. We are not called to keep the good news to ourselves, but to spread it to the ends of the earth.

The Great Commission is not just for the disciples or the early church, but it is a mandate for all believers. In the age of globalization and technology, we have greater opportunities to reach people of different nations and cultures with the gospel than ever. We are called to teach and disciple new believers, helping them grow in their faith.

The process of making disciples begins with a personal relationship with Jesus. We cannot share what we do not possess ourselves. We must constantly seek to grow in our faith, deepen our relationship with God, and be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) so that we can effectively share the Gospel with others. As we look to evangelize our community, we must do so with humility, love, and compassion. We are not called to condemn or judge, but to share the hope and love of Christ with those who are searching for meaning and purpose in life.

Conclusion

As we reflect on this passage and our call to make disciples, let's pay close attention to Jesus' words and make a commitment to be obedient to His command. Let's prepare our hearts and hands to share the Gospel with our community. The Great Commission is not just a command, but it is also a call to join in God's redemptive work. We have been given the authority and the power through the Holy Spirit to continue the mission of Jesus (Acts 1:8). Let's be obedient to the call and go and make disciples of all nations, spreading the good news of salvation and eternal life.

I urge each one of you to prayerfully consider how you can be involved in reaching out to those who do not yet know Christ. Whether it is through acts of kindness, sharing your faith with a co-worker, or simply being a listening ear to someone in need, let us all be actively engaged in fulfilling the Great Commission. Let's go out today in confidence, knowing that Jesus is with us always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20). May we embrace our call to make disciples and be a light in this world, shining the love and truth of Christ to all we encounter. May God bless you as you step out in faith and obedience to fulfill the call to make disciples.

Pastor Beaver's thoughts and ideas are inspired by:

Holman Christian Standard Bible

English Standard Version Bible

King James Version Bible

Christian Standard Bible

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