After Jesus Christ is raised from the dead, He Himself gives its application to His Church: Go and make disciples of all the peoples of the world!
Matthew 28:18–20 ESV “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””
All Authority
These authoritativeness of the words of Jesus prevail over everything. Note the theme of all-ness in all authority, all the nations, all that I commanded, and literally “all” the days.
It is this supremacy of Jesus that pervades the passage. His authority as the Son of Man has been enlarged with the coming of a new stage in the history of redemption, in which He is enthroned in heaven as King, ruling over all for His Church’s glory and success.
It is from this position of universal authority that Jesus speaks and orders the universal mission of His Church. He commands His disciples to go make more disciples until this period of history concludes with His Return. This is for the glory of God and His increasing glory throughout the world!
All Nations
Of whom is the Church supposed to go and make disciples of Christ? The answer is all the nations, that is among all the people groups throughout all the earth! (Matthew 24:14; Revelation 5:9) This is in fulfillment of promise of Abrahamic Covenant in Genesis 12 to bless all families of earth through him.
The imperative in vv.19-20 is “make disciples.” The other three verbs are participles, “go,” “baptizing,” and “teaching.” The syntax has been over-interpreted at times and has led to unusual conclusions, but simply put all three of the participles share the force of the main verb. This means that “go” is also a command and it is best to read “go and make disciples” as one main command. This is the imperative from Jesus for worldwide missions.
The text is well translated in most English versions, so don’t become enamored with new or unusual interpretations. To be quite simple about this passage: Discipleship requires going and making more disciples around the world, which naturally involves baptizing and teaching them.
All Obedience
“Baptizing” and “teaching” are commands also. However, these two commands are more descriptive of the characterization of the fulfillment of the main command of making disciples or followers of Christ.
The Church has never been uncertain about importance of baptism primarily because of this passage. It is part of our incorporation into fellowship with God whereby Kingdom blessings are experienced. It is more than a religious rite; it symbolizes entrance into the community and is itself pledge to obedience to the Lordship of Christ Jesus.
All Days
These are most encouraging words from Jesus Christ, especially needed in light of His overwhelmingly enormous command to disciple the world! The risen Christ says, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This means, that He is God. He is the exalted Lord and Christ! He Himself will guide and empower His Church in fulfilling the Great Commission. He Himself will provide support and powerful protection for His Church while they proclaim Gospel. He Himself will continue to do this without limitation or interruption, up until very Day of His Return. He Himself then is why we can do the Mission to glory of God without fear!
Our Apostle Matthew ends his Gospel account with the most inspirational of words. And he ends here because this is where the Church should be focused until Christ’s Return. There is no question that the Mission is the abiding application from the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel Mission of the Church is exciting! It is the most wonderful purpose for which to live your life, serve with your gifts, and support with your resources!
Matthew 28:18–20 ESV “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””
All Authority
These authoritativeness of the words of Jesus prevail over everything. Note the theme of all-ness in all authority, all the nations, all that I commanded, and literally “all” the days.
It is this supremacy of Jesus that pervades the passage. His authority as the Son of Man has been enlarged with the coming of a new stage in the history of redemption, in which He is enthroned in heaven as King, ruling over all for His Church’s glory and success.
It is from this position of universal authority that Jesus speaks and orders the universal mission of His Church. He commands His disciples to go make more disciples until this period of history concludes with His Return. This is for the glory of God and His increasing glory throughout the world!
All Nations
Of whom is the Church supposed to go and make disciples of Christ? The answer is all the nations, that is among all the people groups throughout all the earth! (Matthew 24:14; Revelation 5:9) This is in fulfillment of promise of Abrahamic Covenant in Genesis 12 to bless all families of earth through him.
The imperative in vv.19-20 is “make disciples.” The other three verbs are participles, “go,” “baptizing,” and “teaching.” The syntax has been over-interpreted at times and has led to unusual conclusions, but simply put all three of the participles share the force of the main verb. This means that “go” is also a command and it is best to read “go and make disciples” as one main command. This is the imperative from Jesus for worldwide missions.
The text is well translated in most English versions, so don’t become enamored with new or unusual interpretations. To be quite simple about this passage: Discipleship requires going and making more disciples around the world, which naturally involves baptizing and teaching them.
All Obedience
“Baptizing” and “teaching” are commands also. However, these two commands are more descriptive of the characterization of the fulfillment of the main command of making disciples or followers of Christ.
The Church has never been uncertain about importance of baptism primarily because of this passage. It is part of our incorporation into fellowship with God whereby Kingdom blessings are experienced. It is more than a religious rite; it symbolizes entrance into the community and is itself pledge to obedience to the Lordship of Christ Jesus.
All Days
These are most encouraging words from Jesus Christ, especially needed in light of His overwhelmingly enormous command to disciple the world! The risen Christ says, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This means, that He is God. He is the exalted Lord and Christ! He Himself will guide and empower His Church in fulfilling the Great Commission. He Himself will provide support and powerful protection for His Church while they proclaim Gospel. He Himself will continue to do this without limitation or interruption, up until very Day of His Return. He Himself then is why we can do the Mission to glory of God without fear!
Our Apostle Matthew ends his Gospel account with the most inspirational of words. And he ends here because this is where the Church should be focused until Christ’s Return. There is no question that the Mission is the abiding application from the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel Mission of the Church is exciting! It is the most wonderful purpose for which to live your life, serve with your gifts, and support with your resources!
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