Go! And Obey - The Gospel Of Matthew Series

Go! And Obey - The Gospel of Matthew

Introduction:

Church, let me ask you this: When you hear the word “obedience,” what comes to mind?

For many, it’s rules, restrictions, or even burdens. Yet in the Kingdom of God, obedience is not about oppression, but about freedom. It is the joyful response of a redeemed heart to the voice of the King.

The Gospel of Matthew is often called the “Gospel of the King.” It presents Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy, the One with authority to rule, and the One who calls us not just to believe in Him, but to obey Him.

And as Matthew concludes his Gospel, we are left with the clearest command of all:

Matthew 28:18–20 (NLT): Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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.”

This is not a suggestion. This is a commission. To follow the King is to obey the King.

1. Jesus the King with All Authority

The Greek word here for “authority” is ????s?a (exousia) — meaning the right to rule, the power to command.

Matthew, more than any other Gospel, emphasises Jesus as the fulfilment of prophecy and the rightful heir to David’s throne. From the genealogy in chapter 1 to the triumphal entry in chapter 21, Matthew shows us: This is the King.

Because He is the King, obedience to Him is not optional—it is essential.

Matthew 7:24–27 (NLT): “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.”

In 21st century Britain, many treat Jesus like a consultant rather than a King—someone whose advice can be considered, but not necessarily obeyed. But church, Jesus is not a life coach—He is Lord.

R.T. Kendall: “If Jesus is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all.”

Friends, obedience flows from recognising His authority. The King has spoken. The only fitting response is to submit.

2. The Call to Make Disciples, Not Just Converts

Jesus does not say, “Go and make believers.” He says, “Go and make disciples.”

The Greek word for disciple is µa??t?? (mathetes) — meaning a learner, a follower, an apprentice.

A disciple is not someone who merely admires Jesus from afar, but someone who walks in His steps and obeys His commands.

Matthew 16:24 (NLT): “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.’”

Too often in modern Christianity, we’ve reduced discipleship to church attendance or a vague belief in God. But Jesus calls us to radical obedience—to take up the cross daily, to follow Him even when it costs.

Think of a soldier who enlists in the army. He doesn’t join simply to wear the uniform or sing the songs. He enlists to obey orders and serve under his commander. In the same way, to call Jesus “Lord” means we live in daily obedience to His commands.

John Piper: “Grace is not simply leniency when we have sinned. Grace is the enabling gift of God not to sin. Grace is power, not just pardon.”

Grace does not free us from obedience—it empowers us for obedience.

3. Teach Them to Obey Everything I Have Commanded

Notice that Jesus doesn’t just say “teach them what I commanded,” but teach them to obey.

James 1:22 (NLT): “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”

The commands of Jesus cover every area of life:

Love God and neighbour (Matthew 22:37–39)

Forgive as you’ve been forgiven (Matthew 6:14–15)

Seek first the Kingdom (Matthew 6:33)

Deny self, follow Christ (Matthew 16:24)

Obedience is not about earning salvation. It is the fruit of salvation. A tree is known by its fruit (Matthew 7:17). If Jesus has saved you, it will show in your obedience.

Charles Stanley: “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.”

Obedience may cost us reputation, comfort, or even safety. But it will never cost us the presence of Christ.

4. The Promise of His Presence

Matthew’s Gospel begins with a promise: “He will be called Immanuel—God with us” (Matthew 1:23). And it ends with the same promise: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).

The mission is difficult.

The path of obedience is narrow.

But the King Himself walks with us.

Hebrews 13:5 (NLT): “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’”