Matthew 28:17-20 is about Jesus appearing to his eleven disciples after his resurrection and commissioning them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything he commanded.
17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
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 all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Setting the Scene for Matthew 28:17-20
The scene in Matthew 28:17-20 takes place on a mountain in Galilee, where Jesus had instructed his disciples to meet him. The disciples had gathered there as Jesus had commanded them after his resurrection. The group included the eleven remaining disciples, as Judas Iscariot had betrayed Jesus and taken his own life.
As the disciples stood on the mountain, they saw Jesus approaching them. Some of them worshiped him, but others doubted. Jesus then came to them and spoke the words that have become known as the Great Commission, where he instructed them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything he had commanded them.
The surroundings on the mountain in Galilee would have been serene and peaceful, with a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. The disciples were likely filled with a mix of emotions – awe at seeing Jesus alive again, confusion and doubt at the miraculous events unfolding before them, and a sense of purpose as they received their commission to spread the teachings of Jesus to the ends of the earth.
What is Matthew 28:17-20 about?
Jesus gives his disciples a powerful instruction in this verse, commonly known as the Great Commission, to go out into the world and make more disciples of all nations. It is a call to action, a call to spread the teachings of love, forgiveness, and salvation to everyone, regardless of their background or where they come from. Jesus is essentially empowering his followers to continue his work of spreading the message of God’s love and grace to all corners of the earth.
Think about the significance of this command – Jesus is entrusting his followers with the responsibility of continuing his mission and furthering the kingdom of God. It’s a reminder that the message of Christianity is not meant to be kept hidden or exclusive, but rather shared and spread far and wide. Through this commission, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of spreading the good news and inviting people of all nations to join in the community of believers. So, as we reflect on this verse, let us consider how we can fulfill this call in our own lives, whether it’s through sharing our faith with others, serving our communities, or spreading love and kindness wherever we go.
Understanding what Matthew 28:17-20 really means
Introduction
In the final moments before His ascension, Jesus imparts crucial instructions to His disciples, known as the Great Commission. These verses in Matthew 28:17-20 hold profound significance as they outline the mission of the Church and the individual believer within it.
Verse Breakdown and Commentary
“When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.” This verse captures the complex reactions of the disciples upon encountering the resurrected Jesus. Their worship acknowledges His divinity, while their doubt reflects the human struggle to fully grasp the miraculous nature of the resurrection. This interplay of faith and doubt is a common theme in the Christian journey, reminding us that even in uncertainty, we are called to trust and follow Christ.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Jesus asserts His supreme authority, underlining the foundation upon which the disciples’ mission rests. Understanding and acknowledging Jesus’ authority is crucial for believers, as it empowers them to carry out their mission with confidence, knowing they are supported by divine power.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” The command to make disciples transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, emphasizing the universal reach of the Gospel. Baptism symbolizes initiation into the faith and underscores the Trinitarian nature of God, highlighting the foundational beliefs of Christianity.
“Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Discipleship goes beyond mere conversion; it involves instructing others in obedience to Jesus’ teachings. This ongoing process of education and adherence to Christ’s commands is essential for nurturing a deep and obedient faith among believers.
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus promises His perpetual presence to His followers, offering comfort and assurance in the face of challenges. This pledge of constant companionship echoes throughout Scripture, reminding believers that they are never alone in their mission and that God’s presence sustains them.
Anecdote
A missionary’s experience illustrates the transformative power of Jesus’ promise of His enduring presence. Despite initial feelings of inadequacy, the missionary found courage in knowing that Jesus was with them. Over time, witnessing lives changed by the Gospel reaffirmed the truth and potency of Christ’s words, inspiring perseverance and faith.
Conclusion
Matthew 28:17-20 encapsulates the core of the Christian mission: making disciples, teaching obedience, and relying on Jesus’ authority and presence. As we reflect on these verses, we are called to consider how we can actively engage in the Great Commission in our own spheres, whether through sharing our faith, supporting missions, or imparting Jesus’ teachings to others.
How can we effectively make disciples?
One effective way to make disciples is by going and actively sharing the message of Jesus with others. This means not being passive or waiting for people to come to us, but actively seeking opportunities to share the good news of salvation. We should be intentional in our conversations and actions, always looking for ways to point others to Jesus and help them grow in their relationship with Him.
Another important aspect of making disciples is baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a public declaration of faith and a symbol of a person’s commitment to following Jesus. We help new believers solidify their faith and commitment to Christ by encouraging them to take this step and supporting them in their decision.
Lastly, making disciples involves teaching others to obey everything that Jesus commanded. This goes beyond just sharing the message of salvation, but also includes helping believers grow in their knowledge of scripture and understanding of what it means to live as a follower of Christ. We can help new believers mature in their faith and become fully devoted disciples of Jesus by providing ongoing support, guidance, and teaching.
Application
Embrace the path set before you, just like excelling at work or supporting your family. It’s time to carry the torch of faith and spread the light of love to everyone. Will you rise up to this calling, sharing the message of hope and redemption with those who need it most?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.