The Great Commission

Matthew 28:17-20

We have spent twenty-eight chapters to get to our text this morning. Matthew’s Gospel is directed from the beginning at this parting command from the lips of our Lord. It is a shame that most people miss the command in this verse. I was raised at a point in America’s church history where men were preaching that the command in verse 19 is “Go!” but that is not accurate. The word “go” is not an imperative in the original text. The command is to make disciples. In the next two weeks, we will be looking at this command in a specific, practical way to discover how that is done in a world that has no printed discipleship material. Today, however, we shall look at everything else in this text.

In the opening chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, the messianic hope of the Old Testament is dropped into the womb of an unsuspecting girl named Mary. Throughout the book, He is revealed as the Miracle Worker, working in fulfillment of the Old Testament hope. In chapter twenty-six, the literary brush strokes of the first Gospel writer paint with dark colors the Lamb of God being sacrificed for the sin of mankind. Here, at the end of this final chapter, Jesus Christ is promoted to the King of heaven and earth. He is now the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. The work of Christ is finalized; He is now positioned on His throne. The final gavel of judgmental history has fallen, and the verdict is “not guilty” for all who believe.

This is perhaps the most misunderstood command in the entire Bible. First, it is misplaced. The emphasis is placed on “go,” when in fact the command of the text is not a where, but rather a what. Jesus does not say “go” as opposed to “stay.” It is not a geographical issue. The geographical pattern is given in Acts 1:8. The command is very clear not to do something where you are not, but rather to do something where you are. We are not commanded to relocate, but rather to redirect our purpose in life. The command is directed more at our heart and mouth than it is at our hands and feet.

We shall be spending two weeks looking at the very important subject of disciple making. This is the reason for Matthew’s writing. It is the final command to us from Jesus Christ. It is the last ink to dry on the gospel message. It is the real purpose of life, and those who find out how to do it and engage in this miracle process, will have the most fulfilling life possible. This activity is God’s will for each of us and completes His design for our life. Do it, and you shall experience joy unspeakable and full of glory.

The Great Commission

Matthew 28:17-20

The Author

A. His purpose

B. His style

C. His joy

The Eleven

A. The response

B. The relationship

C. The reality

The Lord

A. The position

B. The commission

C. The mission’s method

The You

A. Stop

B. Start

C. Stay