It is amazing how God expands our understanding of the implications of His Word and the Gospel as we grow. In my youth I was convinced I understood what the Bible said and meant, but I am learning my perspective is often limited and narrow. The "Great Commission" scripture in Matthew provides a fitting example.
Matthew 28:19-20 were words of Jesus Christ I committed to memory at a young age: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen." I didn't notice it at the time, but verse 19 refers back to a critical truth which undergirds what has been called the "Great Commission." Matthew 28:18 reads, "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." We do not go or obey Jesus in our strength or authority, but in light of His overarching authority. The One issuing the command also enables and empowers us to accomplish His will.
My understanding of this commission was initially restricted to the expansion of the Gospel message to people who had never heard the Gospel. This is true, yet the scope is far greater than this. More than making converts Jesus has commanded us to make disciples of all nations, and we are included! The Gospel message is not just for the heathen, but for the church - for me and you. We must first preach the Gospel to ourselves and walk in light of it or we will be impotent to make disciples of Jesus. It is not by might or by power we can extend the love and grace of God to others but through the Holy Spirit. The Gospel is not advice to the heathen but is guidance for believers. The Gospel is Good News God desires to communicate to those who are near and afar off so all might come to the knowledge of the truth and be born again. Once born again the Gospel compels us to be His witnesses here, there, and everywhere in every possible way.
When Jesus sent out the disciples to prepare the way for Him, He later followed them into the cities and towns where they were. As we walk in obedience to Jesus and His Word, He is with us always with all His authority. Jesus does not command and instruct us and send us on our way to fend for ourselves or do what we think is best, but He is the Way. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit we have comfort and help, and we are granted access to God's throne room of grace at all times. I need the Gospel as much now as ever, and so do you. Praise the LORD for His faithfulness to us, and for His use of weak instruments so the glory will belong to Him alone. Psalm 147:5 is the truth: "Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite." Let us keep preaching the Gospel to ourselves and live out the implications of it so all will see how awesome our Saviour is.
Matthew 28:19-20 were words of Jesus Christ I committed to memory at a young age: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen." I didn't notice it at the time, but verse 19 refers back to a critical truth which undergirds what has been called the "Great Commission." Matthew 28:18 reads, "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." We do not go or obey Jesus in our strength or authority, but in light of His overarching authority. The One issuing the command also enables and empowers us to accomplish His will.
My understanding of this commission was initially restricted to the expansion of the Gospel message to people who had never heard the Gospel. This is true, yet the scope is far greater than this. More than making converts Jesus has commanded us to make disciples of all nations, and we are included! The Gospel message is not just for the heathen, but for the church - for me and you. We must first preach the Gospel to ourselves and walk in light of it or we will be impotent to make disciples of Jesus. It is not by might or by power we can extend the love and grace of God to others but through the Holy Spirit. The Gospel is not advice to the heathen but is guidance for believers. The Gospel is Good News God desires to communicate to those who are near and afar off so all might come to the knowledge of the truth and be born again. Once born again the Gospel compels us to be His witnesses here, there, and everywhere in every possible way.
When Jesus sent out the disciples to prepare the way for Him, He later followed them into the cities and towns where they were. As we walk in obedience to Jesus and His Word, He is with us always with all His authority. Jesus does not command and instruct us and send us on our way to fend for ourselves or do what we think is best, but He is the Way. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit we have comfort and help, and we are granted access to God's throne room of grace at all times. I need the Gospel as much now as ever, and so do you. Praise the LORD for His faithfulness to us, and for His use of weak instruments so the glory will belong to Him alone. Psalm 147:5 is the truth: "Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite." Let us keep preaching the Gospel to ourselves and live out the implications of it so all will see how awesome our Saviour is.
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