READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Mission is at the heart of our Christian faith because God is a missional God. It’s not that the Church has a mission, but the Mission of God has the Church (Chris Wright) — God started the Mission before the church! God reached out and created. God reached out to Abram and called him to “go” and “be a blessing” (Gen 12:1-3). That is the seed of our Missional call. The Mission is fulfilled in Jesus, who came to us so that we will be blessed and now bring this blessing to others. Our continuing Mission flows from our identity as God’s people, forged by what Christ has done for us: his death and resurrection.
In today’s Scripture text, the Risen Jesus meets His disciples in Galilee (v16) — the same place where Jesus began His ministry. They meet on a Mountain, similar to how God’s Word is delivered on mountains (as in Sermon on the Mount, Transfiguration, etc.). Jesus gives the Mandate of the Great Commission.
1. Mission Under the Authority of Christ
Jesus says, “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (v18). This proclamation references the prophetic figure of the Son of Man (Daniel 7:13-14). Jesus is declaring that He has spiritual authority to forgive sin, and earthly authority to perform miracles e.g. heal diseases, calm storms, feed the masses etc. Jesus’ authority was never used to demand submission; it was always connected to love and forgiveness, because it comes from agape love. Before the Church can go forth with Christ’s authority, the Church must first come under the authority of Christ’s Love and His Kingdom values.
2. Mission In the Way of Christ
In the Great Commission (v19-20), the Central Imperative is to “make disciples”. Our primary mandate is to make disciples; we do it by “going”, “baptising” and “teaching”.
Who is a Disciple of Christ? A Disciple is anyone who follows and learns from Christ. Jesus said that “a disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). A Disciple experiences inward transformation through growing relationship with Christ: by i) learning His teaching, ii) being transformed by His values, and iii) living them out in community. To make disciples means to help others to take steps to grow in the knowledge, faith, ways, and hope of Christ!
When Jesus commands us to make disciples of “all nations” (ethos), He doesn’t single out any country. The Greek word “Ethos” means every ethnic and people group of different cultures and languages. The discipleship lesson for us is to be all-inclusive and cross-cultural in our outreach. Consider taking the step of faith to go on a mission trip!
The commandment to “Go” is to take the initiative. Jesus specifically went to Samaria to seek the woman at the well, although most Jews would have avoided Samaria (John 4). When Jesus tells us to be “salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13), He implies that the Church must own her mandate to take initiative and go. Salt is most useful when sprinkled, not kept in the salt shaker.
The commandment to “Baptise” is to initiate someone into discipleship community. Bring someone to Alpha! Some people need to experience belonging, before they eventually consider believing. There is space for everyone in Church. The Church is diverse and still united, as our Triune God is Three-in-One.
The commandment to “Teach” is to help someone to understand and obey. It means commitment to teaching and mentoring others in spiritual community to help one another grow in Christian obedience.
The Mandate in Summary: Make Disciples… by Taking the Initiative to Help someone Take Seps to Christ… through Blessing, Teaching, Mentoring and Caring… in Community.
The most appropriate question isn’t whether we are able; it’s whether we are willing?
3. Mission With the Presence of Christ
Matthew opens his Gospel with the assurance of Emmanuel (God with us) and he closes the Gospel with the assurance that Jesus will always be with us (v20). There will certainly be challenges along the way. All of us will struggle (at some point) with discouragement and “doubt”, like the disciples (v17). But Jesus goes with us to provide.
The word “Commission” means a mission together with someone. Jesus first came to us, and now He goes with us. His Presence gives us i) Passion for His cause, ii) strength to Persevere, and iii) Purpose to motivate us. We have hope that participating in missions also teaches us to be better disciples.
Conclusion
May we go with a renewed vision to help someone take steps to know and follow Christ. As we go in faith, may we one day see the ones we reach out to join the multitudes worshipping the Lamb of Glory when Christ returns!
(Sermon notes by Bryan Tan)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- It is not that the Church has a mission but the Mission of God has the Church. What does that tell you about the nature of God?
- Why is it so important to do mission under the authority of Christ?
- What is the central command in verse 19 and 20a? What does making disciples mean?
- Who is God calling you to “go” to?
- How can you help someone to be part of a discipleship community?
- How does the presence of Christ with you in mission empower you?
- How can you disciple each other in your Small Group or communities?
- Pray for yourself, your small group and Wesley to be missional this year.
