Embracing The Great Commission Series

Sermon: Embracing the Great Commission

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20 “Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Introduction: After the resurrection, Jesus showed himself to many witnesses for forty days. Matthew does not mention Jesus’ appearances as revealed in John and Luke’s account, but Matthew moves us to the final appearance of Jesus, the place where it all began. The meeting of our Savior and his apostles upon a mountain in Galilee, was an appointed and general meeting place. The mountain was near Capernaum, where he preached that famous sermon, The sermon on the mount. This meeting was designed to confirm the faith of all his disciples about the certainty of his resurrection and commission them to continue His great work. Possibly our Lord appointed this place in Galilee, so far from Jerusalem, that his disciples might without danger come to see their Savior alive again and receive a final charge before his ascension.

This crowd was massive, more than 500 persons waiting to see Jesus. This is the same famous appearance St. Paul speaks of in 1Co. 15:6, “When he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once.” Matthew said, “And those who saw him worshipped him, but some doubted.” Some believe and worship, but others doubted. Note, even today among those that worship there are always some that doubt. There are those who are sincere, yet their faith may be very weak and wavering. All are welcomed to come. Jesus is not afraid of doubters. The word doubted means they hung in suspense, as a fluctuating weight on a scale. Hopefully, these doubts were removed afterward, and their faith grew up to a full assurance. Just as the eleven disciples doubted before they believed; so some in the crowd first questioned, and examined all things, and after being convinced held fast that which was true. This text reminds us that in every crowd there will be some doubters. Their doubts cannot undermine the truth. We all must learn to embrace the truth and drive doubt into a corner. There will always be things that we cannot explain; and things that we do not know. Let’s stick to what we know. We believe and our faith has been satisfied, and we view Jesus Christ as God in human form. That knowledge engages the soul to worship him. Divine worship is due to Christ because of his divine nature. The moment we realize who Jesus really is, worship is in order. Hab 2:20 “But the LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him.” When we come to him and recognize him, we worship him.

1. Believers Worship Him. Matthew 28:16-17 “Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!”

The eleven disciples had met Jesus on several occasions after His resurrection. On the road to Emmaus, in the Upper Room, by the Sea of Galilee, He had broke bread with them, eat with them and breathe on them and they knew him. Maybe the doubters had only heard their testimony, but now they see him for themselves. I am amazed that Jesus spends no time talking about the doubters. He does not complain about them or try to reason with them. Jesus knows that these believers are here to honor him and to hear his instructions for them. Some are guilty of being distracted by the doubters, those who are absent, those who are not worshipping, and the like. Jesus gave his attention to the believers. There will always be some perplexed, some confused and some doubting. It was that way in Jesus’ hometown, on the day of Pentecost, and even at Stephen’s sermon. I can’t explain it or understand it, but Jesus concentrated on the worshippers. Believers worship! Then no longer speaking in parables, but in plain language, Jesus speaks of his unlimited authority.

2. Believers Receive Confirmation. Matthew 28:18 “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.”

When Mary held His feet to worship Him after the resurrection, Jesus said, let me go for I have not yet ascended to my Father. Now things have changed. Believers received confirmation two ways: first Jesus received their worship. He affirms that He is more than a teacher, a prophet, or an angel, they do not receive worship. Only God is due worship. Secondly, Jesus confirms the extent of authority. All authority, both power and ability has been given unto me. I have the right to dispense it, set the boundaries and limitations of that authority. This authority covers the kingdom reign in Heaven and on earth. I am who I said I am and Can do what I said I can do. I am positioned to give authority, commission agents, and uphold them in carrying out their assignments. Believers worship Him and Receive Confirmation from Him.