The Divine Story of Jesus and You: The Great in The Commission

Sermon Quick Summary
            The scripture text for today is from Matthew 28:16-20 (Section 6.10 of our booklet on the Life and Teachings of Jesus of Nazareth):  “¹⁶Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. ¹⁸Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” While the Great Commission in verse 19 can seem overwhelming, it is essential to see the greatness of God within it. In Matthew 28, we find reminders of God's Presence, Power, and Personal Invitation, which provide the foundation and strength for our commission. Verse19 starting with “Therefore”, prompts us to look back and understand the context. Before this moment, Jesus was betrayed, crucified, and resurrected, fulfilling His promise in Mark 14:28: "But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." This shows us that Jesus always shows up, even amidst chaos, highlighting God's Presence in the Commission. Verse 18 reveals God's Power; the Greek word used here is Exousia, which signifies not just power but also the authority to use it. This reminds us that Jesus is in control of both the spiritual and physical realms, reinforcing the Great God's Power in the Commission. Jesus offers a Personal Invitation in verse 20: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This assures us that we are never alone; God is with us, guiding and supporting us in this mission. Understanding the greatness of God in the Great Commission transforms it from a mere duty into a revelation of God's ongoing presence and power. The Greatness of the Commission lies in knowing that our Great God is with us every step of the way.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FAMILY GROUPS
-If you have read or memorized Matthew 28:19: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” what has been your understanding of what this means to you as a follower of Christ?
-Since the verse starts with “Therefore” prompting us to look back, what happened previously in the context of Matthew 28 that is important in understanding its relevance to verse 19?
-How does God’s Word remind us of the presence of God with us even in the midst of chaos in this fallen world?
-Others may have explosive power, but only the divine has unlimited authority to use that power. In Matthew 28:18, what is the difference between power and authority in God’s calling on your life journey?
-Some doubted and were disappointed in God in verse 17. Why does doubt and disappointment in God not make God any less in God’s love and covenant relationship with you?
-In what ways does God extend a personal invitation to you and me in Matthew 18:20?
-Why are we, as followers of Christ, committed to the Kingdom of God in making disciples of all nations? In what ways is this different than a commitment limited to particular nations, cultures, races or teams?
-Why is it important to understand that we are not alone as part of God army for the Kingdom of God?