Exploring the Scripture

The primary message of the book of Matthew is to tell the story of Jesus, not just as a remarkable and gifted human being, but as the focus and instrument of God’s involvement with creation. The author’s primary goals appear to be to share the good news that in and through Jesus, God has reasserted the rule of the kingdom of heaven on earth; in and through Jesus, God’s forgiveness is offered to every person; and all are invited to life as a disciple and, indeed, to God’s kingdom.

This is seen clearly in today’s passage, commonly known as the Great Commission. Note that the author quotes Jesus at the end of the book rather than simply sharing a report of what Jesus said, perhaps thinking it would give more power to these instructions given as Jesus’ earthly ministry was drawing to an end. While this “commission” is most often considered in its entirety, it can be divided into several themes, each of which can be a sermon in itself.

First, Jesus is quoted as saying, “Go.” This suggests rather clearly that Christ’s mission is not about being stationary, but about going intentionally to witness of and live the good news of Jesus. In recent revelation, we have been reminded that we should “look also beyond your walls to the far-flung places where the church must go” (Doctrine and Covenants 162:7d).

Next, the reader is told that this going should be to all nations. The word nations means “people groups.” Jesus was not referring to political boundaries, more commonly called “countries” in today’s language. He was referring to cultural and ethnic groups, foreigners, people who aren’t like you, the “other.” So, Jesus’ directive wasn’t so much about going to geographic areas as it was about going to all people regardless of ethnicity, gender, life circumstance, or sexual orientation. Again, we have been reminded of this in recent revelation: “Reach out in understanding, clasp their hands, and invite all to share in the blessings of community created in the name of the One who suffered on behalf of all” (Doctrine and Covenants 161:3a). This theme is also lifted up in several Community of Christ Enduring Principles: Worth of All Persons, All Are Called, Unity in Diversity, and Pursuit of Peace (Shalom) (Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition)

The third theme found in today’s passage is making disciples. This includes baptism and teaching. Jesus showed the importance of baptism by seeking this sacrament from John the Baptist. Baptism is how individuals are united in community as disciples through the same baptism Jesus experienced. By definition, disciples are followers or students of a teacher, a leader, or a philosopher. To be a disciple is to be a learner. Jesus’ commission teaches his followers not only to baptize people, but also to teach them. It is a both/and proposition, each clearly being equally important. By telling his followers to teach “them to obey everything that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20), Jesus provides the blueprint for bringing the peaceable kingdom to creation.

A final theme is the promise Jesus makes—to be a constant presence as his disciples embark on mission: “Lo, I am with you always to the end of the age.” Here Jesus makes clear that his disciples would not simply have a fading memory of him. Instead, he promises to be ever-present, carrying with him and extending to his disciples “…all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). This is a powerful and far-reaching authority. As Jesus said multiple times, disciples should not be afraid or hesitant as they go forth to engage in his mission.

Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. Christ’s mission requires that followers go. The mission cannot be carried out by being stationary and taking care of oneself.
2. The intentional witness, invitation, and living out of mission must be directed to all people with no exceptions.
3. The task of the disciple is not simply to baptize people. As important and valuable as that sacrament is, it must be tied to helping people become true disciples of Jesus.
4. Disciples can go forth in mission with the confidence that Jesus, the one to whom all authority in heaven and on Earth has been given, goes with them every step of the way.

Questions to Consider

1. How is this congregation intentionally identifying opportunities to go into new places beyond its walls?
2. What specific methods is this congregation using to help individuals develop as disciples of Jesus? How can the congregation be challenged to look for more ways to expand such disciple-formation experiences?
3. How can you challenge people to further develop themselves as disciples?
4. How can you challenge people to “go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” where we have been told that opportunities abound?