Matthew 28:11-20 is about the resurrected Jesus appearing to his disciples, 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 promising to be with them always.
11 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place.
12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers
13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’
14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”
15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.
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 28:11-20
In Matthew chapter 28, we find the scene where the resurrected Jesus appears to his disciples on a mountain in Galilee. The disciples had been instructed by Jesus to go to this specific mountain after his resurrection. As they gathered there, they were filled with a mix of emotions – awe, confusion, and joy at seeing their beloved teacher alive again.
Among the disciples present were Peter, James, John, and the others who had followed Jesus during his ministry. They had witnessed his crucifixion and now were experiencing the wonder of his resurrection. Jesus stood before them, his presence radiating peace and power, as he commissioned them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The mountain was a place of significance in the Bible, often symbolizing a meeting point between heaven and earth. As the disciples stood on that mountain in Galilee, they were given a divine mandate that would shape the course of their lives and the spread of Christianity for generations to come. The scene captures a pivotal moment in the Christian faith, where the disciples were empowered to carry on the mission of Jesus and spread his message of love and salvation to the ends of the earth.
What is Matthew 28:11-20 about?
This verse, known as the Great Commission, summarizes Jesus’ final instructions to his disciples before ascending to heaven. Jesus calls on his followers to spread the teachings of Christianity throughout the world in this passage. He emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of love, forgiveness, and salvation with people from every corner of the globe by commanding them to make disciples of all nations. This directive underscores the inclusive nature of Christianity and reminds believers of their responsibility to share the gospel with others.
Imagine standing alongside the disciples as they receive this profound commission from Jesus himself. The weight of these words may have felt daunting yet inspiring, as they were being entrusted with the task of carrying on the ministry of Christ. The disciples were being called to consider the significance of this instruction: stepping outside their comfort zones, engaging with different cultures, and spreading the message of hope to people of varying backgrounds. Reflect on how this verse challenges us as modern-day Christians to continue this mission of making disciples of all nations, inviting others to experience the transformative power of God’s love and grace.
Understanding what Matthew 28:11-20 really means
After the resurrection of Jesus, as recounted in Matthew 28:11-20, we witness a pivotal moment in Christian history. The passage begins with the guards’ report, where some of them go to the chief priests to disclose the miraculous events they witnessed. However, the chief priests, driven by fear and deception, choose to suppress the truth by bribing the guards to spread a false narrative. This manipulation by the religious authorities underscores the lengths to which some will go to deny the reality of Jesus’ resurrection, highlighting the ongoing battle between truth and deception in the world.
Moving on to the disciples’ reaction in verses 16-17, we see a mix of worship and doubt among them upon encountering the risen Jesus. This dichotomy of responses serves as a reminder that doubt is a natural aspect of faith. Even among those closest to Jesus, uncertainty existed, as seen in the example of Thomas in John 20:24-29. The presence of doubt does not negate one’s faith but rather provides an opportunity for Jesus to meet us in our uncertainties, strengthening our belief through His presence and reassurance.
In verses 18-20, Jesus delivers the Great Commission, a command that resonates through the ages and remains the cornerstone of Christian mission. By asserting His authority over heaven and earth, Jesus empowers His followers to go forth and make disciples of all nations. This universal call to spread the Gospel, baptize believers, and teach obedience to His commands underscores the inclusive nature of Christianity and the importance of discipleship in the life of a believer.
The Trinitarian formula of baptism mentioned in the passage symbolizes initiation into the Christian faith and underscores the foundational belief in the triune nature of God. Baptism serves as a public declaration of one’s commitment to Christ and signifies a willingness to follow His teachings. Furthermore, the promise of Jesus’ continual presence with His disciples provides comfort and courage as they embark on fulfilling the Great Commission. This assurance of His eternal companionship serves as a source of strength for believers facing challenges and uncertainties in their faith journey.
In today’s context, the message of Matthew 28:11-20 remains relevant and impactful. The reality of Jesus’ resurrection continues to be the bedrock of Christian faith, inspiring believers to stand firm in the face of doubt and opposition. The Great Commission serves as a call to action for all Christians, urging them to actively engage in evangelism and discipleship, spreading the message of hope and salvation to the ends of the earth. Jesus’ promise of His abiding presence offers solace and encouragement to those navigating the complexities of life, reminding them that they are never alone in their journey of faith.
Consider Sarah, a young woman grappling with doubt and fear as she feels compelled to share her faith. Reflecting on the disciples’ initial hesitations and Jesus’ unwavering presence, Sarah finds the courage to step out in faith. Starting a small Bible study group, she witnesses lives transformed by the power of the Gospel, embodying the essence of the Great Commission in her own sphere of influence. Sarah’s story echoes the timeless truth of Matthew 28:11-20, urging believers to embrace their calling, overcome doubts, and actively participate in the mission of making disciples, all while finding strength in the promise of Jesus’ enduring presence.
How can we go and make disciples?
We can go and make disciples by understanding that Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. This signifies that His command to go and make disciples is a directive given with divine authority and power. Therefore, as followers of Christ, we are called to obedience in fulfilling this commission.
One way to make disciples is by actively teaching others to obey all that Jesus has commanded. This involves not only sharing the Good News of salvation but also helping new believers grow in their faith by teaching them the principles and teachings of Jesus. Through this process, disciples are not only made but also nurtured and developed in their relationship with God.
Furthermore, making disciples involves baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a vital step in the journey of faith for believers as it symbolizes their identification with Christ and their commitment to follow Him. We help new disciples take a public stand for their faith and become actively involved in the body of Christ by baptizing them and inviting them into the community of believers.
Application
Let’s embark on a mission to spread the word and create followers, just as Jesus directed in Matthew 28:11-20. It’s not a choice, it’s an assignment from Jesus. Let’s extend our reach beyond familiarity to global efforts. Are you ready to answer the call and carry out the task set by our Savior?
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.