God's Blessing

What does Matthew 28:18-20 really mean?

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.

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Setting the Scene for Matthew 28:18-20

The scene in Matthew 28:18-20 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, Jesus approached them, having been resurrected from the dead. The disciples were in awe and wonder at seeing their beloved teacher alive again. Jesus then spoke to them, giving them what is 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 all that he had commanded.

The surroundings on the mountain in Galilee would have been serene and peaceful, with a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape. The disciples were likely filled with a mix of emotions – awe, joy, and perhaps a bit of uncertainty about what was to come next. This moment on the mountain was a pivotal one, as Jesus was commissioning his disciples to continue his work and spread the message of the gospel to the ends of the earth.

What is Matthew 28:18-20 about?

This verse, known as the Great Commission, holds significant importance as it encapsulates Jesus’s final instructions to his disciples before ascending to heaven. Jesus urges his followers in this passage to spread his teachings, make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey all that he commanded. Jesus empowers his disciples to continue his mission on earth and share the message of salvation with the world by issuing these directives.

Reflecting on the Great Commission prompts us to consider the role we play in spreading the Gospel and growing the kingdom of God. It challenges us to evaluate the ways in which we are fulfilling the call to make disciples, baptize believers, and teach obedience to God’s commandments. Are we actively engaged in sharing our faith with others? Are we making intentional efforts to nurture the spiritual growth of those around us? These questions encourage us to reflect on our own discipleship journey and consider how we can more effectively fulfill the mandate Jesus gave to his followers over two thousand years ago.

Understanding what Matthew 28:18-20 really means

Matthew 28:18-20, often referred to as the Great Commission, is the passage we will delve into. We’ll break down this passage into its core elements and explore its relevance today.

Structure for Commentary:

  1. Introduction and Context
  2. Key Phrases and Meanings
  3. Related Biblical Passages
  4. Relevance Today
  5. Personal Reflection and Anecdote
  6. Jesus speaks to His disciples after His resurrection in these verses. This moment is pivotal, marking the transition from His earthly ministry to the disciples’ mission. Jesus imparts a final command, encapsulating His authority and the disciples’ mission.

Key Phrases and Meanings:
– “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This declaration establishes Jesus’ supreme power. It’s a reminder of His divine nature and the legitimacy of His teachings.
– “Go and make disciples of all nations.” The call to action is clear: spread the Gospel universally. This isn’t limited by geography, ethnicity, or culture.
– “Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” This phrase underscores the Trinitarian foundation of Christian belief. Baptism signifies initiation into the faith.
– “Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” The disciples are not only to evangelize but also to educate, ensuring that new believers understand and live by Jesus’ teachings.
– “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This promise of Jesus’ continual presence offers comfort and assurance. It reinforces that the disciples are not alone in their mission. Jesus tells the disciples in Acts 1:8 that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, enabling them to be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth.” This complements the Great Commission by emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers. The call to “make disciples of all nations” is incredibly relevant in a world where division and misunderstanding are rampant. It urges Christians to transcend boundaries and share the message of love, hope, and redemption universally. The emphasis on teaching and obedience highlights the importance of not just spreading the faith but also nurturing it through education and community.

Personal Reflection and Anecdote:
Imagine a small church in a diverse urban neighborhood. The congregation, though small, is vibrant and reflects the cultural mosaic of the community. One Sunday, a new family from a different country attends the service. They are welcomed warmly, and over time, they share their unique traditions, enriching the church’s collective experience. This scenario exemplifies the Great Commission in action: a diverse, inclusive community united by faith and committed to mutual growth and understanding.

Conclusion and Call to Action:
The Great Commission is a perpetual mandate for all Christians. It calls us to be active in our faith, to reach out beyond our comfort zones, and to make disciples through love, teaching, and example. Reflect on how you can embody this mission in your daily life. Are there opportunities in your community to share the Gospel and foster meaningful connections? Jesus promised to be with you always, guiding and sustaining you in this divine endeavor.

How can we effectively make disciples for Christ?

To effectively make disciples for Christ, we must first recognize and understand that Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. This authority empowers us to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This commission is a call to action that requires our obedience and willingness to follow Jesus’ example of reaching out to others with love and compassion.

The process of making disciples involves more than just sharing the message of salvation; it requires genuine relationships built on trust, care, and mentorship. We are called to teach others to obey everything that Jesus has commanded as we go and make disciples. This involves not only sharing the Gospel but also walking alongside new believers, helping them grow in their faith, and equipping them to become disciples who in turn make more disciples. We fulfill the Great Commission and bring glory to God by investing our time, energy, and resources into the spiritual growth of others.

Application

Imagine your faith as a powerful tool you can wield in your everyday life—at work, with family, and in your community. Jesus gave us a mission in Matthew 28:18-20, to reach out and make disciples everywhere we go. Are you actively sharing your faith and nurturing the spiritual growth of those around you? Boldly living out your faith isn’t just a Sunday thing; it’s a daily commitment. Think about how you can make a difference and spread love each day. Will you join me in embracing this challenge and carrying out God’s divine mission?