Matthew 28:18-20
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Application: 

These final words of Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel have become known as the Great Commission. In them, we find the church’s marching orders. Jesus declared to his disciples that all authority … in heaven and on earth had been given to him (20:18). In other words, he said, “I’m in charge.” Indeed, the Father has granted the Son all authority up there and down here, in heaven and in history, in eternity and in time. Christianity, then, is no generic religion tied to a generic god. Authority over the universe is in the hands of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

In light of Jesus’s all-encompassing authority, he commands his disciples to make disciples (28:19). This is a command, not a suggestion or request. A disciple is a learner who seeks to become like the one whom he is following. The goal of discipleship, then, is to help people become progressively like Christ in character and conduct, in attitudes and actions. Jesus shares his authority only with disciples so that they may see the rule of God in and through their lives.

Discipleship is the key element of God’s kingdom agenda; it’s the visible manifestation of God’s comprehensive rule over every area of life. The effectiveness of a church is therefore evaluated—not in the number of its members—but by its disciple-making. It’s the absence of discipleship that keeps a church impotent and ineffective, because by not taking up Christ’s mission of discipleship, its people cannot draw on Christ’s authority.

Jesus said to teach would-be disciples to observe everything he had commanded (28:20). The goal of this is not merely to impart knowledge—it’s to help people apply knowledge. Taking notes and memorizing verses is good, but until a learner also obeys God’s Word, teaching has not produced a disciple.

Reference: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 918-919.

To God be the glory!

Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Disclaimer

When God inspires me, I write blogs. Consider this writing as a Bible study. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, search the Scriptures to determine whether what I write is so. Always consult with your church ministers about biblical matters. I am also not a professional writer, so some grammar or spelling errors may be present. I try my best to write as efficiently as possible. Your brother in Christ, Ricardo

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

My book, “Battle Strategy: God’s Plan Amid Chaos.” It’s packed with helpful insights into Bible study and understanding. You can get a free digital version on my website. Fifty percent of the proceeds from this book go to helping children. The book covers the main biblical points and salvation, so you’ll find something valuable. 

#Jesus #God #HolySpirit #Israel #battle #faith #spiritual #prayer #wisdom #Bible #bless