Matthew 28:16-20, The Great Commission

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.”

Comments

The resurrection transformed the defeat of Golgotha into the triumph of Galilee. God launched his wider mission to the world where Jesus’ initial mission began. Jesus, the universal sovereign, whom the three wise men first introduced as king of the Jews, commanded a universal mission to his disciples. While some doubted, that denoted a state of uncertainty and hesitation rather than unbelief.

The Great Commission culminated the theme we have noted throughout Matthew’s Gospel: the calling of a people of God far wider than that of the Old Testament in which membership was based on race rather than a relationship with God through the Messiah. By making disciples, Jesus called for personal allegiance to him. Baptizing and teaching specified what was involved in discipleship.

Jesus took his place along with the Father and Spirit as the object of worship. The experience of God in these three Persons remains the essential basis of discipleship. The singular noun “name” underlined the unity of the three Persons. Up until this point, Jesus had been the teacher. The disciples inherited his role of teaching, not teaching abstract ideas but what he had commanded. To make disciples, then, is not complete unless it leads to a life-commitment of observing Jesus’ commandments as individuals grow into the likeness of Jesus himself.

Prayer

For a clearer vision of the work you have set before us and for a better understanding of your gospel,

Lord, direct us.

For a deeper commitment in your service and a greater love for all your children,

Lord, direct us.

For a fresh understanding of the task before us and for a sense of urgency in our proclamation,

Lord, direct us.

For a greater respect and acceptance among Christians of different traditions and for a common goal in evangelism,

Lord, direct us.

Anglican Province of the Indian Ocean