The end of Matthew’s gospel looks to the future, with the disciples’ commission to take the gospel to all nations. This passage is often referred to as the Great Commission, and Christians tend to focus on its evangelistic aspect. But the commission is actually to “make disciples,” not merely to “win converts.” God’s “Plan A” for his world changing mission of redemption was to train up his followers who would impart what they learned to others. Our passage has the following outline:

1. Christ's Declaration of His Authority: V. 16 -18
2. Christ's Command to Make Disciples. V. 19 - 20a.
3. Christ's Assurance of His Presence. V. 20b.

Before telling us to do anything for him in v. 19, he tells us what he can do for us in v. 18. "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." "Authority" means the right and power to do something. John Piper said, "There is no authority in heaven which can call the will of Jesus into question, and there is no authority on earth that can call the will of Jesus into question. And no power on earth or in heaven can frustrate his will when he exerts all his power to achieve it." 

With this declaration of Jesus' authority, we can venture confidently to make disciples. All three activities—going, baptizing, and teaching—are essential components to making disciples of every people, as mentioned in Matthew 28:19-20. When done correctly, lives are changed for the better. This is the ultimate objective of making disciples. Transformed lives, in turn, transform communities, cultures, and even whole countries, all for God's glory and our joy.

Getting Started                          

1. If you were a spy and asked to do a mission, what necessary details would you need to fulfil the mission?

• Read Matthew 28:16-20

2. What insight, principle, or observation from Sunday’s sermon did you find to be the most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling?

Digging Deeper

3. In Matthew 28v18, Jesus announces that he has “all authority in heaven and on earth.” He seems to present this as a reason for the instruction to go and make disciples. What does Jesus’ authority have to do with making disciples? What difference does that authority make for the work of making disciples?
4. Matthew 28:19 says that part of making disciples of all nations is baptizing. Why is baptism important for the church and for the person being baptized? Why is baptism necessary to make disciples?
5. What is the difference between being a Christian and being a disciple? Refer to Acts 11:26 for help.

The Heart of the Matter

6. Be honest now, when you hear these words of Jesus that we call “The Great Commission,” what stirs within you? Do you feel excitement? Dread? Guilt? Possibilities? Explain.

7. How does Matthew 28:16-20 help us to understand the kind of church Jesus wants NLC to be? What does this mean for us as we live out our faith in Abu Dhabi?

8. In v20, Jesus says “remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Do we think of him as “with us”? Why, or why not? What does “with” mean for us? What difference does it make if we think this way about Jesus?