[The Great Commission]
[16] Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. [17] And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. [18] And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

(Matthew 28:16-20 ESV)

I preached on the Mission we have as Christians last November and I recently listened to a sermon from Matt Chandler, Pastor at The Village Church in Dallas Texas. Currently, Matt is preaching through a series entitled “Village Identity” and this particular sermon was Part 2 of his series where he talked about “The Mission of the Church.” You can listen to the sermon here: http://fm.thevillagechurch.net/sermons

Pastor Matt got me thinking about mission again so I thought I’d share some notes from my sermon. Enjoy!

Mission Impossible – Matt. 28:16-20 – November 14, 2010 http://www.fsjalliance.ca/sunday-messages.html

Jesus’ Authority (v. 18)

• Teaching (Matt. 7:28-29)
• Healing (Matt. 8)
• Forgiving Sins (Matt. 9:6)
• Over Satan (Matt. 10:1

Christianity is a missionary faith, our God is a missionary God and the church is a sent people.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

(2 Peter 3:9 ESV)

The Early Church

Acts 1

• Jesus promised the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5)
• Jesus ascends into Heaven (Acts 1:9)

Acts 2

• The Holy Spirit comes on the day of Pentecost
• Believers spoke in tongues
• Peter preached the gospel
• People repented and were baptized

“and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:4b ESV)

“If a commission by an earthly king is considered an honor, how can one by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?” – David Livingstone

The early church operated on the Lord’s authority, ministered in His name and depended on His power and guidance. Not their own authority, not our own authority, the AUTHORITY OF JESUS CHRIST!

Activity (v. 19-20a)

• The Greek verb translated go is actually not a command but a present participle (going)
  • The command here is “make disciples”
  • Better translated: “While you are going, make disciples of all the nations”
• No matter where our location may be, we should be witnesses (Acts 11:19-21)
• Disciple
  • Not merely a convert or church member
  • Attached himself to a teacher
  • Identified with him
• Learned from him
• Listening
• Doing
• Lived with him
• Jesus called His disciples and taught them so they could and would teach others (Mark 3:11ff)

“Follow the rabbi, drink in his words, and be covered with the dust of his feet.” (Ancient Jewish Proverb)

Ability (v. 20b)

• Jesus is not only “in the midst” when His people gather (Matt. 18:20), but He is also present with them as they scatter in to the world to witness
  • “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:20b)
  • “to the end of the age” indicates that our Lord has a plan
• Our ability comes from the Spirit
  • It’s not really our ability at all
  • This makes the “Impossible Mission” possible!

Alone, we are:

• Inadequate
• Insufficient
• Unable
• Unqualified

But, Jesus is…

• Beyond adequate
• Totally sufficient
• Completely able
• Utterly qualified

Jesus commands us by His AUTHORITY
Jesus calls us to ACTIVITY (making disciples)
Jesus gives us the ABILITY (Holy Spirit)

THIS IS GOD’S MISSION FOR US!

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)

Questions:

What are those things that stoke your love for Jesus? Pursue them passionately

What are those things that squelch your love for Jesus? Avoid them actively

What are you pursuing today? Jesus and His mission?

Does the gospel define you?