The Great Commission

Topic: Lord�s Return
Passage: Matthew 28:11–20

July 23, 2019

Commentary

While the women were running to find the disciples and tell them that Jesus had resurrected from the dead, another group was plotting to destroy the truth of the resurrection (vv. 11-12). By now the soldiers who had been guarding the tomb realized that they were in deep trouble. For a Roman soldier to fail in his duty was an offense punishable by death (Acts 12:19). But they also understood that something spiritual was going on. Therefore, they took their story to the Jewish religious leaders who agreed to pay them to spread a different narrative, “Jesus’s disciples stole His body while the soldiers were sleeping.” The Jewish leaders then agreed to mediate the situation with Pilate (v. 14). The whole situation was quite the PR nightmare for everyone involved. How could the soldiers know what happened while they were asleep? What honorable Roman soldier would have admitted to “sleeping on the job?”

Jesus promised to meet with his disciples on a mountain in Galilee (v. 16). Although Matthew does not record it Jesus had appeared to the disciples twice already in Jerusalem. Some of those present still “doubted” the resurrection (v. 17). God has set up this world so that an element of faith is always required to connect with Him. Jesus proclaimed His “Great Commission”, “all authority had been given to Him in heaven and on earth.” The gospel is for all nations, not just Israel. They were to make disciples who would make disciples (Mark 3:13). Those who believed were to be baptized (v. 19). The final words of the Lord recorded in Matthew were a promise that He would be with them always until the very end. Although He did not remain physically, His spiritual presence was with them as it is with us (v. 20).

Application

What do I see as my responsibility in fulfilling the Great Commission? Most Christians settle for cheerleading when Jesus has commanded us to get in the game.

Matthew 28:11– 20 (NET)

11 While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After they had assembled with the elders and formed a plan, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came at night and stole his body while we were asleep.’ 14 If this matter is heard before the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story is told among the Jews to this day.

16 So the eleven disciples went to Galilee to the mountain Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”