Beyond Prejudices

The Great Commission challenges Christians to go beyond national and tribal prejudices. Let’s look at Jesus’ instructions in 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. (Matthew 28:16-17 NKJV)

The particular mountain is not named, but was perhaps a place well-known to them. Perhaps this event included others, for they worshipped him, but “some” doubted, probably not meaning some of the apostles. Paul said that the resurrected Jesus was seen by over five hundred brethren (1 Corinthians 15:6).

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18 NKJV)

Jesus humbled Himself to death. God gave Him the name above every other name. Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Philippians 2:7-11) God sat Jesus at His right hand and made Him head over all things to the church, which is His body. (Ephesians 1:20-23)

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 (Matthew 28:19 NKJV)

Go literally means “having gone.” This is not the Great Suggestion, but a commission. It would be easier just to stay home and not go. It would be more convenient not to make that phone call or be involved in a difficult world, but we are not given that option.

The verb is also plural and can be translated as “Go ye [plural of you]” or “Ye having gone.” It is our collective task. Our job is the saving of souls. Every Christian has this same commission. It is most difficult in nations that abuse the human rights of Christians.

The next imperative is to “make.” Disciples are pupils, scholars, trained, instructed. Christianity is action in “all nations,” not just the safe ones. “Nations” includes the idea of different ethnic groups and customs. “All” means nobody is left out. God challenges us to a level of sentiment beyond worldly nationalism.

“Baptism” only begins our instruction. As a child was circumcised in the Old Testament so may they be baptized in the New Testament (Colossians 2:11-12). As entire families of ancient Israel were baptized into Moses in the Red Sea, so children may be baptized today (1 Corinthians 10:1-4).

Baptism can mean wash (Mark 7:4; Luke 11:38; Acts 22:16), passing through the sea (1 Corinthians 10:1-4), and suffering (Mark 10:38). Jesus and the eunuch came up out of, or away from the water. The mode is not specified; the act is (Acts 2:38).

Father, Son and Holy Spirit have one “name.” Jesus prayed to the Father. Jesus is the Word which was God. The Holy Spirit makes decisions, teaches, guides, convicts, grieves, can be blasphemed, lied to, resisted and we can have fellowship with Him. God is three and one — a mystery.

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. (Matthew 28:20 NKJV)

The main thing is the main thing. Jesus specifically said teach what I have taught YOU. All healthy mainstream churches preach the whole Bible, but their focus is on the Gospels, where most of Jesus’ teachings are located. Healthy preaching covers the Bible and includes a Gospel lesson every week.

What unites us, whether we are Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant? We believe what Christ taught. Jesus is the priority in the Bible, the words He taught His first disciples. When we focus on Jesus, other issues seem to fade into the background. We find common ground that unites Christian churches.

The Gospel challenges us to go beyond national and tribal prejudices. We are to go, make, baptize and teach disciples what Jesus taught. This overrides all our artificial borders between nations and prejudices between tribes. Our Father’s business is to all people, everywhere.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Readings

Genesis 1:1-2:4 There are dozens of theories about this chapter, summarized as old earth and young earth creationism. I’m not ashamed to call myself a young earth creationist, but I gladly take communion with those who believe otherwise. We all agree on one point: In the beginning God created everything.

Psalm 8 When we consider the works of God’s hands, do we also ask, What is humanity that God is mindful of us? How incredibly magnificent is God?

2 Corinthians 13:11-13 In days of social distancing, how do we greet each other? Hopefully, still with much affection in our hearts.

Matthew 28:16-20 in Rhyme

Eleven went to Galilee

To the mount Jesus did decree