Sent by the King: Following Jesus into a World That Needs the Gospel – Matthew 28:19–20
Introduction – The Call That Still Echoes
Church, some final words change everything.
A last embrace.
A final instruction.
A parting commission.
The words of a dying parent.
The charge of a commanding officer.
The final sermon of a faithful pastor.
Last words matter.
And in Matthew 28, we are standing on resurrection ground, listening to the final recorded words of Jesus before He ascends in glory. These are not suggestions. They are not optional extras for “keen Christians.” They are marching orders from the risen King.
If you claim to follow Jesus, this passage defines your life.
If you claim to know Christ, this text gives you your purpose.
And if you do not yet know Him, this passage shows you the heart of a Saviour who sends His people because He is still seeking the lost.
Matthew 28:19–20 (NLT): “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 the Word of the Lord.
Setting the Context – Resurrection Authority and Global Mission
Matthew 28 follows the greatest event in human history: the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. The tomb is empty. Death is defeated. Sin is conquered. Satan is disarmed.
Just before our verses, Jesus declares in Matthew 28:18 (NLT): “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.”
The Great Commission flows out of the Great Coronation. Jesus sends His followers not as beggars hoping the world will listen, but as ambassadors of a reigning King.
Christian discipleship is not passive belief.
It is active obedience to a sovereign Christ.
Key Truth #1 – The Authority of the One We Follow
Jesus says, “All authority” – the Greek word ????s?a (exousia) means delegated right, sovereign power, rightful rule.
This is not borrowed authority.
This is not temporary authority.
This is absolute authority.
He rules heaven and earth.
John Piper wrote: “All authority means there are no boundaries, no rivals, and no exceptions to Jesus’ reign.”
Church, we are not sent out hoping Jesus can help. We are sent out knowing Jesus reigns. Evangelism is not pushing opinions—it is announcing reality.
Philippians 2:9–11 (NLT): “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honour… that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
If Jesus has all authority, then partial obedience is rebellion.
Delayed obedience is disobedience.
Private faith with no public allegiance is contradiction.
Following Jesus means surrendering to His lordship.
Key Truth #2 – The Central Command: Make Disciples
The main verb in the Great Commission is not “go” but “make disciples.”
The Greek word µa??te?sate (matheteusate) means to form learners, apprentices, followers.
A disciple is not merely a convert.
Not merely a church attender.
Not merely a moral person.
A disciple is someone who rearranges their entire life around Jesus.
Luke 9:23 (NLT): “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”
Tim Keller wrote: “A disciple is not someone who has all the answers, but someone who has learned to ask their questions under the authority of Jesus.”
We are not called to produce decisions without devotion. The church’s task is not to count hands raised, but lives transformed.
Who are you intentionally discipling?
Who are you praying for, walking with, encouraging, teaching?
Discipleship always costs time, comfort, and convenience—but it produces eternal fruit.
Key Truth #3 – The Scope of the Mission: All Nations
Jesus says “all nations” – Greek ???? (ethne), meaning peoples, ethnic groups, cultures.
The Gospel is not Western.
Not Jewish.
Not cultural.
It is global.
Revelation 7:9 (NLT): “I saw a vast crowd… from every nation and tribe and people and language.”
Max Lucado said: “God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way—and He refuses to leave anyone out.”
Racism collapses at the foot of the cross. Nationalism bows before the throne. The church is God’s multi-ethnic miracle.
A missionary once said, “The light that shines the farthest shines the brightest at home.”
Church, global mission always begins in local obedience—your street, your workplace, your family.
Key Truth #4 – The Method: Baptising and Teaching Obedience
Baptising – Public Identification with Christ
Baptism is not salvation—but it is a bold declaration of allegiance.
Romans 6:4 (NLT): “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death… just as Christ was raised from the dead… we also may live new lives.”
Teaching Obedience
Jesus does not say, “Teach them to know” but “teach them to obey.”
Greek t??e?? (terein) – to guard, keep, practise.
Charles Stanley wrote: “Obedience is the outward expression of inward faith.”
Church, knowledge without obedience breeds pride. Obedience without love breeds legalism. Jesus calls us to joyful, Spirit-empowered obedience.
Key Truth #5 – The Promise That Sustains Us: Christ With Us Always
“I am with you always” – literally, all the days.
This echoes Emmanuel—God with us (Matthew 1:23).
Hebrews 13:5 (NLT): “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
R.T. Kendall said: “The presence of God is the greatest gift God can give His people.”
We do not go alone. We go with resurrection power, indwelling Spirit, and unfailing presence.
A Clear Gospel Presentation – The Message We Carry
Church, the Great Commission assumes the Great Gospel.
Jesus Christ lived the sinless life we could never live.
He died the substitutionary death we deserved.
He was buried—proof of His real death.
He rose bodily on the third day—defeating sin, death, and hell.
“Christ died for our sins… He was buried… He was raised from the dead.” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4, NLT)
Salvation is not earned.
It is received by repentance and faith.
“Repent of your sins and turn to God.” (Acts 3:19, NLT)
Call to Action – Following Jesus Means Going With Jesus
Believers, where has obedience stalled?
Where has fear silenced your witness?
Where has comfort replaced calling?
Jesus did not save you to sit.
He saved you to follow—and to go.
Imagine a lifeboat circling a sinking ship, arguing about seating arrangements while people drown. That is the church without mission.
Invitation to Salvation – Come and Follow Jesus
If you are listening today and you know you are not right with God—hear this:
Jesus invites you not into religion, but relationship.
Not into performance, but forgiveness.
Not into shame, but new life.
Repent.
Believe.
Follow Him.
Pray from your heart:
“Lord Jesus Christ, I turn from my sin. I trust in Your death and resurrection. Save me. Be my Lord. I choose to follow You.”
Conclusion and Benediction – Sent in Confidence
Church, you are not spectators.
You are sent ones.
Ambassadors of the King.
“How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15, NLT)
Benediction / Exhortation:
Go in the authority of Christ.
Go with the compassion of Christ.
Go in the presence of Christ.
To God be the glory, and may Christ be exalted, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ empower you to follow Him faithfully—until the end of the age.
Amen.
