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Matthew 28 -- Not Just A Suggestion
The Great Commission wraps up the book of Matthew. It's not called "The Great Suggestion". As my commentary said, it contains three commands, not suggestions. "So go and make followers of all people in the worl
The Great Commission wraps up the book of Matthew. It's not called "The Great Suggestion". As my commentary said, it contains three commands, not suggestions.
"So go and make followers of all people in the world." From sermon notes I'd written in the margins over the years:
"This is an assumption [that we'll be doing this], not a box to check off once. "
"As you go" is what it means. It's a continuing thing.
"There's one task - "make followers" - and multiple targets - "all people in the world".
"Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." Did you notice that "name" is singular, not plural? Had this been a list of people, it would have been "names".
"Teach them to obey everything I have taught you ..." My commentary said, "It's not enough to simply make converts and let them fend for themselves. They must be taught to obey the commandments of Christ..."
"... and I will be with you always, even until the end of this age." My sermon notes say He's not just being touchy-feely here. Instead, He's giving us His BEING, empowering us to do what He commands.
In essence, Jesus is tasking us to go out and recruit worshipers for Him. Is He worthy of worship from everyone, or just those we see on Sunday mornings? And are they not worthy of us going after them? Would that mean that we're willing to settle for limited worship for our Lord?
Father, if I'm ever tempted to say that some part of this is not my gift or doesn't come naturally to me and should be left to others, remind me of what You said last - "I will be with You always ..." If I simply let them see You through me, the doors will open, hearts will be changed, and lives will be saved. Be with me always, Father. Be with me always, Jesus.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
"So go and make followers of all people in the world." From sermon notes I'd written in the margins over the years:
"This is an assumption [that we'll be doing this], not a box to check off once. "
"As you go" is what it means. It's a continuing thing.
"There's one task - "make followers" - and multiple targets - "all people in the world".
"Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." Did you notice that "name" is singular, not plural? Had this been a list of people, it would have been "names".
"Teach them to obey everything I have taught you ..." My commentary said, "It's not enough to simply make converts and let them fend for themselves. They must be taught to obey the commandments of Christ..."
"... and I will be with you always, even until the end of this age." My sermon notes say He's not just being touchy-feely here. Instead, He's giving us His BEING, empowering us to do what He commands.
In essence, Jesus is tasking us to go out and recruit worshipers for Him. Is He worthy of worship from everyone, or just those we see on Sunday mornings? And are they not worthy of us going after them? Would that mean that we're willing to settle for limited worship for our Lord?
Father, if I'm ever tempted to say that some part of this is not my gift or doesn't come naturally to me and should be left to others, remind me of what You said last - "I will be with You always ..." If I simply let them see You through me, the doors will open, hearts will be changed, and lives will be saved. Be with me always, Father. Be with me always, Jesus.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
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