Christians Commissioned

Matthew 28:16-20, Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 

19-20, 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.

1. “the eleven disciples” – to those who are His!  This is specifically to the apostles but can include us.  This is to those who have heard His call and responded in faith and since then are followers.  To those who are saved – a Commission from Jesus!
2. “went…appointed for them”.  Those truly His, gather – like at 558 Ashland Road.
3. “they saw Him”.  Believers gather to Him and do so by faith.
4. “they worshiped Him”.  Gather to adore, glorify, honor and bless Jesus – to worship.
5. “some doubted”.  Some, while truly saved, are in times of question and confusion yet they gather to Him with others.
6. They came to hear Jesus – to hear His word.  Christians are to gather at His feet to learn.
7. “All authority is given to” Jesus!  His followers gather to be reminded of Who rules the wind and waves, the demons, sickness and disease, enemies and liars, and death and the grave. They gladly submit to Jesus as their Commander.
8. You… “Go”!  Jesus charges His followers to be moving, acting, doing and engaged in the world.
9. “make disciples”.  While it is God Who gives spiritual life, He calls His followers to be active, even aggressive, in calling people to repent, confess, believe in Jesus as the way, the truth and the life and submit to Him that they might be saved.  This is not a call on pastors or evangelists to do the “making” but to followers.  All Christians have a duty and role in pointing people to Jesus and pressing them to salvation.
10. [You] “baptizing them”.  Those who profess faith in Jesus as their Savior are eager to make a public statement to other Christians that they also embrace the death of Jesus for their sins and they too believe that Jesus rose and ascended, is now ruling over all and is coming again.  They do this before other Christians.  This is about church life.  For a baptism, there has to be a time and place designated, ample water of the right temperature, and statements of faith declared.  This is church life!
11. “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”.  Followers are to have and to declare a clear and accurate doctrinal statement.  God is triune for one!
12. “teaching them”.  The church is to feature sermons and teachings of God’s truth.
13. “to observe”.  The call is to obey.  Believers are to be daily followers of Jesus.
14. “all things”.  The whole of the Bible is to be rightly understood and rightly taught.  Believers are charged to be emmersed in the teachings of the Bible.
15. “that I command you”.  This is not optional – know and obey all His teachings !
16. “I am with you always”.  Counseling and Comforting. There are going to be times of oppression, persecution, doubt and sorrow but don’t lose heart.  Don’t forget this great promise that in any valley, Jesus is present.
17. “even to the end of the age”.  There must be anticipation and preparation for an end so declared by God.  He is coming again – don’t be found lacking!
18. “Amen”!  Agreed!  Yes!!  Yes, Sir!

In short, this is Jesus’ charge to followers to be “bringers” and “builders”.  This is about what good church should be about.  This is about obedience by those who love Jesus!