By Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read: Matthew 28:16-20

By Rev. Ron Purkey

Jesus said: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them … and teaching them.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Matthew 28:18-20 is usually called “The Great Commission,” though this statement is no greater than that in any of the other Gospels, nor is it the last statement Jesus made before he returned to heaven. However, this declaration does apply to us as believers, so we should understand the factors that are involved.

First, “all power” — authority (Matthew 28:18). This was no more the humble peasant of Galilee, but the mighty son of God. In his death and resurrection, he had conquered Satan, sin and death. God had given all authority into his hands. In Matthew 4:8-10, Satan had taken Christ to a mountain and offered him all the kingdoms of the world. Here on this Galilee mount, Christ proclaimed that he now had all authority and that Satan had been defeated.

Second, “all nations” (Matthew 28:19). “Teach” is actually “make disciples.” This is a commission to take the Gospel to all nations, and is a definite change from where the commission was limited to the Jews only. Evangelism alone is not the commission; after people are won, they should be baptized, which suggests a local church fellowship. They should also be taught, which suggests the teaching and preaching of the Bible.

Please keep in mind that our commission is not simply “to win souls.” It is to “make disciples” — which includes winning them, bringing them into a Christian fellowship and building them up in the faith. While we thank God for every Christian ministry that is true to the Lord and his word, whatever is done should be tied to the local church.

Third, “all things” (Mathew 28:20). A disciple is a learner, and he is to be taught “all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” This includes the whole word of God. People are to live by every word of God (Matthew 4:4). All scripture is profitable (2 Timothy 3:16). The church that fails to teach people the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) is not obeying the Great Commission.

Fourth, “always” (Matthew 28:20). What a tremendous assurance. “I am with you always.” In Matthew 1:23, he was called “Immanuel”— “God with us” — and here he reaffirms that name. He is with us through his Holy Spirit, in his word, by his providential care and with his divine presence. This is the promise that encouraged and enabled messengers of Christ down through the years.

Matthew ends his Gospel with a responsibility on the part of Christian believers to take the Gospel of Christ to all people. Not all will be saved, but all deserve a chance to hear the Gospel.

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines at rcpbibleoutlines.com free on the website. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.