16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
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 28:16-20
In Matthew chapter 28, we find the scene where Jesus appears to his disciples after his resurrection. The disciples had gathered in Galilee as Jesus had instructed them to do. The group included the eleven remaining disciples, as Judas Iscariot had betrayed Jesus and taken his own life. They were likely feeling a mix of emotions – confusion, fear, and perhaps even a glimmer of hope after witnessing Jesus’ resurrection.
As they stood on the mountain, Jesus approached them. The disciples were in awe and disbelief at seeing their beloved teacher alive again. Jesus reassured them, reminding them of his authority and commissioning them to go and make disciples of all nations. The surroundings were likely serene, with the beauty of Galilee surrounding them as they received this important mission from their resurrected Lord.
The disciples, including Peter, James, John, and the others, were given the Great Commission by Jesus himself. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of their ministry to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. The scene captures a profound moment of faith, obedience, and empowerment as the disciples were entrusted with the task of sharing the good news of salvation with the world.
What is Matthew 28:16-20 about?
Jesus gives a clear directive to his disciples in this powerful verse known as the Great Commission to go forth and spread his teachings to all corners of the world. Jesus emphasizes the universality and inclusivity of his message by instructing them to make disciples of all nations. This command is a call to action for all followers of Christ to actively share his love and teachings with others, regardless of their background or location.
Imagine the impact of disciples actively engaging in spreading the message of love, peace, and salvation to people from all walks of life. What would it look like if each believer took their role in making disciples seriously and reached out to those who may not have heard of Jesus? The Great Commission challenges us to step outside of our comfort zones and share the good news with others, ultimately expanding the reach and influence of Christ’s teachings throughout the world. By fulfilling this command, followers of Christ not only fulfill their duty but also contribute to the growth and unity of the global Christian community.
Understanding what Matthew 28:16-20 really means
Introduction and Context
The passage found in Matthew 28:16-20, often referred to as the Great Commission, holds significant weight in the Christian faith. This portion of scripture captures the final instructions Jesus gave to His disciples after His resurrection and before His ascension into heaven. The directive is clear and purposeful, emphasizing the mission of spreading the Gospel and making disciples of all nations. Let us consider the profound implications for our lives today by delving deeper into the essence of this passage. The disciples meet Jesus on a mountain in Galilee in the opening line, evoking a sense of divine revelation and purpose. Mountains are often locations of significant encounters with God throughout the Bible, such as Moses receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. Here, Jesus speaks with authority, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This declaration underscores His divine sovereignty and the legitimacy of His command.
Jesus then instructs, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” The word “go” implies action and movement—a call to step out of comfort zones and engage with the world. Making disciples involves teaching and nurturing others in the faith, reflecting Jesus’ own ministry. Baptizing “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” signifies an initiation into the Christian community and a commitment to the triune God.
Connecting with Other Scriptures
This commission aligns with other scriptures that highlight God’s desire for all people to know Him. Jesus reinforces the global scope of their mission by telling His disciples in Acts 1:8 that they will be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth.” Similarly, in Isaiah 49:6, God declares, “I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” These passages collectively emphasize the inclusive nature of God’s redemptive plan.
Relevance to Modern Readers
The relevance of the Great Commission today cannot be overstated. We live in a world that is increasingly interconnected, yet often divided by cultural, social, and ideological barriers. The call to “make disciples of all nations” challenges us to bridge these divides with the message of Christ’s love and salvation. It prompts self-reflection: How are we participating in this mission? Are we actively sharing our faith and living out the teachings of Jesus in our daily interactions? Rachel is the young woman whose story is being considered. She felt a deep conviction to serve in a foreign country where Christianity was not widely accepted. Despite facing numerous challenges, including language barriers and cultural misunderstandings, Rachel persevered. She built relationships, shared her faith, and witnessed the transformative power of the Gospel in the lives of those she met. Rachel’s journey is a modern-day embodiment of the Great Commission, reminding us that the mission field is vast and varied. The Great Commission is a timeless mandate that calls each of us to be proactive in our faith. Jesus’ promise, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age,” reassures us of His constant presence and support as we undertake this mission. We should embrace this call with courage and commitment, remembering that we are part of a larger, divine purpose to spread God’s love and truth to all corners of the earth. You can contribute to this mission by reflecting on your own life and identifying ways to do so. How can you embody the teachings of Jesus in your community and beyond?
How can we fulfill the Great Commission in life?
We can fulfill the Great Commission in life by first acknowledging the authority of Jesus Christ in all areas of our lives. This involves submitting to His lordship and following His teachings wholeheartedly. Next, we are called to make disciples of all nations, which involves actively sharing the message of salvation with others and helping them grow in their faith. This requires intentional relationships, teaching, and mentoring as we walk alongside others in their spiritual journey. Finally, we are to baptize new believers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, symbolizing their identification with Christ and their entrance into the community of believers. Being intentional and obedient in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to all people fulfills the Great Commission. We are called to go beyond our comfort zones, stepping out in faith and sharing the message of hope and redemption. We participate in God’s Kingdom work on earth and help bring more people into relationship with Him by actively engaging in evangelism, discipleship, and community building. It is a lifelong commitment to living out our faith and sharing the love of Christ with those around us.
Application
Imagine you’ve found the perfect recipe for a joyful, fulfilling life. Wouldn’t you want to share it with your family and friends? Matthew 28:16-20 challenges you to do just that with the message of the Gospel. It’s like having the secret to a thriving community at work or home—don’t keep it to yourself. Spread the love, teach the truth, and guide others in faith. Will you rise to the occasion and be a beacon of hope in your world?
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.