I want to start with a bonus section of scripture I think gives light to how we should look and interpret today’s passage in Matthew 28, Luke 17.26-27:

26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us

If you are like me, sometimes looking at the world feels hopeless and it can feel like we are in the midst of dark days. We are more divided and alone than ever, the world is at war with core principles and truths of Scripture, and it seems that the “Good News” of the Gospel is more and more unwelcomed.

And as a result, in many ways the great commission has been diminished to “do life with people” and “be kind and loving to everyone”, but Matthew 28 gives us a different definition of what it means to be on a mission. It is to make disciples through baptism and teaching the commandments of God.

Is this what our mission looks like? If not, I want to give us hope and a source of encouragement from the verses just before this commission - “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me”.

Wow. Let the weight of that statement and its impact sink in. Our God, being all-powerful, and having complete authority has allowed our world and culture to become what it is on purpose. And even more, he has placed people here in this time, in this place, and in your midst so that they may find him!

Church, this is good news. Our gracious and loving God, being rich in mercy, is near, involved, and working in the lives of those around us. Be bold, be kind, be loving, and confidentially stand up for your faith and spread the good news of the Gospel. The world needs it, and they are longing for it.

[Matthew 28.16-20]

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.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What does it mean when it says all authority in Heaven and Earth has been given to me?

+ What is the impact this has on the great commission? [hint: “therefore”]

+ What are the two pieces of making disciples according to this text?

+ What are the costs of living on the great commission? What might you risk?

+ What are the benefits of living on the great commission? What is the gain?

+ Do the risks outweigh the reward [hint: no]

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How would, or should, my interactions with the world and the people God has put in my life look if I trusted His authority and put the “Great Commission” into practice?

+ Do you have the desire to spend and be spent for the glory of Christ?

+ Are you in a community where this is possible, or are you isolated from the world either in your relationship, or church community? How can you expand your reach?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who has God put in your life that you are walking with that you can share the good news with?

+ Making disciples is two-fold: We are called to make them, and we are called to be them. Who is teaching you the word of God and the truths of Scripture? Are you transparent with them, and do they have the freedom to speak into your life? If you aren’t sure, let them know!