Matthew 28
August Memory Verse: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
Read: Matthew 28
What can I say about Matthew 28 that has not already been said? In terms of all-time important chapters of the Bible, for most believers, this tops the list.
In this chapter, we see the message of the early Church—that Jesus was God’s Messiah, the Christ, who was crucified and rose from the grave. In fact, this is what Peter proclaimed on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2,
Jesus was seen in bodily form by the women who came to the tomb. The story of Jesus’ resurrection was dispelled by the religious leaders and the soldiers who were guarding the tomb. Every bit of this helps validate the story of Jesus’ resurrection, rather than discredit it. (For more on the evidence regarding the resurrection, check out Lee Strobel)
Matthew 28:19–20, the Great Commission, is the marching orders of the Church. Jesus has all authority. He uses a figure of speech called a “merism” to describe the breadth of his authority—“in heaven and on earth” with the implication to include “…and everything in between.” Because He has all the authority of the universe and beyond, we are to “make disciples.
The unfortunate thing about the Bible for many people, especially from Kentucky, is that it’s written down. The fact that God’s Word is the written Word, means we need to know a thing or two about reading and grammar. So, we’ll get a little nerdy. You’ve probably heard all of this before, but it’s worth repeating.
The main verb of the Great Commission isn’t “Go,” it’s “Make disciples.” It is an imperative, a command. This isn’t a negotiable thing. The word “Go” is a participle (i.e. “going”). This is a super important point because many times our day-to-day routine squashes out the imperative of making disciples. In fact, although many of us do not mean to, our “making disciples” may be entirely limited to those brief seasons of mission trips or other church-related opportunities—such as our Denver team is experiencing right now! All that to say, only sharing the gospel through church functions and not in your daily routine is to break this Commandment. Instead, we must read the command, “As you go along, make disciples…” We should make disciples in our normal life and in the exceptional circumstances offered by the church.
Again, making disciples is based on and grounded in the authority of Jesus who died and rose again. His resurrection was witnessed and attested by many. He is what we share and He is why we share.
In closing, I would ask you to continue praying for the Denver team. Likewise, if you made a commitment to pray for someone in Tim’s message Sunday, today is a great reminder to keep it up.
By: Tyler Short
Read: Matthew 28
What can I say about Matthew 28 that has not already been said? In terms of all-time important chapters of the Bible, for most believers, this tops the list.
In this chapter, we see the message of the early Church—that Jesus was God’s Messiah, the Christ, who was crucified and rose from the grave. In fact, this is what Peter proclaimed on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2,
22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
Jesus was seen in bodily form by the women who came to the tomb. The story of Jesus’ resurrection was dispelled by the religious leaders and the soldiers who were guarding the tomb. Every bit of this helps validate the story of Jesus’ resurrection, rather than discredit it. (For more on the evidence regarding the resurrection, check out Lee Strobel)
Matthew 28:19–20, the Great Commission, is the marching orders of the Church. Jesus has all authority. He uses a figure of speech called a “merism” to describe the breadth of his authority—“in heaven and on earth” with the implication to include “…and everything in between.” Because He has all the authority of the universe and beyond, we are to “make disciples.
The unfortunate thing about the Bible for many people, especially from Kentucky, is that it’s written down. The fact that God’s Word is the written Word, means we need to know a thing or two about reading and grammar. So, we’ll get a little nerdy. You’ve probably heard all of this before, but it’s worth repeating.
The main verb of the Great Commission isn’t “Go,” it’s “Make disciples.” It is an imperative, a command. This isn’t a negotiable thing. The word “Go” is a participle (i.e. “going”). This is a super important point because many times our day-to-day routine squashes out the imperative of making disciples. In fact, although many of us do not mean to, our “making disciples” may be entirely limited to those brief seasons of mission trips or other church-related opportunities—such as our Denver team is experiencing right now! All that to say, only sharing the gospel through church functions and not in your daily routine is to break this Commandment. Instead, we must read the command, “As you go along, make disciples…” We should make disciples in our normal life and in the exceptional circumstances offered by the church.
Again, making disciples is based on and grounded in the authority of Jesus who died and rose again. His resurrection was witnessed and attested by many. He is what we share and He is why we share.
In closing, I would ask you to continue praying for the Denver team. Likewise, if you made a commitment to pray for someone in Tim’s message Sunday, today is a great reminder to keep it up.
By: Tyler Short
2 Comments
Great job reminding us of Jesus commission to us - the church. Thanks for encouraging us to pray for the people we identified on Sunday.
We appreciate the prayers in Denver! Day one down and starting Day two. We'll have a lot of interaction and possible Gospel opportunities today in 3 ways.... Handing out coffee at a metro stop representing The Local Church, Doorhangers, Evangelism in a prominent place. We appreciate your prayers.
It is so possible to get caught up in the day to day that we forget our mission and command! Thanks for the reminder