A Claim, A Job, A Promise – Matthew 28:11-20
Intro: A man walked up to a vending machine, put in a coin, pressed the buttons labeled, “coffee, double cream, sugar.” No cup appeared, but the nozzles went into action sending forth coffee, cream and sugar. After the proper amounts had gone down the drain, the machine turned off. “Now that’s real automation,” said the man. “This thing even drinks it for you.” That is just how some people want to be a disciple of Christ Jesus. They want to make a deposit, put in some money and let the rest be taken care of automatically. Verse s 11 – 16 – provide the context of events. Lengths authorities went to keep it simple
I. Being a disciple of Christ Jesus is never a simple thing. Verse 18 – Mt. records Jesus’ last words to disciples. – CLAIM – “ALL AUTHORITY”
A. Supreme right to appoint to office – who will do what.
B. Right to require obedience – all or nothing.
C. Right to govern both earth and heaven – Lord or hear and beyond.
II. Not only did Jesus make stake a claim for himself, he gave his followers a JOB. Verse 19 – disciple – verb (MATHETEUSATE – maqhteusate) - Job of every Xian.
A. teach – not just information but evangelism
B. Baptize “into” – means into the possession and protection of the godhead – vital union between God and the believer
C. Obey – “Do as I say, not as I do.” – “Do as I say AND do.”
III. PROMISE – Verse 20b – “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
A. Shekinah: The promise of the never-failing presence of Christ.
B. The promise is to be here! Now!
C. Motto: CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THIS HOUSE, THE UNSEEN GUEST AT EVERY MEAL, THE SILENT LISTENER TO EVERY CONVERSATION.”
Conclu: George A. Buttrick a 20th century theologian once said two essential things possessed by early Christians are lacking in the modern church: 1) a transforming, communicable experience of the living Christ. 2) A passion to pass it on. – A Claim, A Job and a Promise – for you – what kind of disciple will you be?
