The Life of Christ and the Great Commission: Matthew 28 Explained

Understanding The Life of Christ: Duration and Sequence of Jesus' Earthly Ministry

How Long Was Jesus' Ministry? Examining the Four-Year Theory (Luke 13:6-9)

Any serious student of the life of Christ soon discovers that one cannot be dogmatic concerning either the duration of our Lord's earthly ministry or the exact sequence of events that transpired during that duration. Jesus' parable in Luke 13:6-9 might suggest that He had a four-year ministry.

The Shepherd Dies for the Sheep: A New Covenant in the Gospels

Prior to the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, sheep had died for shepherds (Exodus 12:1-13), but now the Shepherd will die for the sheep (John 10:11).

Miracles of Jesus: The Blind See, the Deaf Hear, the Dead Rise

In short, in the Gospels accounts, the blind see, the deaf hear, the mute speak, the lame walk, the dead rise, the possessed are freed, and the lost are saved! Hallelujah!

The Gospel Timeline: From Temple Announcement to Ascension

Thirty-Five Years Covered in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

The Gospels stage covers a period of approximately thirty-five years. It opens with an announcement in the Temple of God (Luke 1:11-20) and closes with the ascension of the Son of God (Luke 24:51). 

The Great Commission: Matthew 28:16-20

¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 

¹⁷ When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.

¹⁸ And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 

¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing 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.

The Great Commission Explained: Matthew 28:16-20

The Mountain Meeting in Galilee: Why Some Doubted

When the eleven disciples went away into Galilee they were probably accompanied by many more people. This may be the appearance to more than 500 people mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:6. This may explain why some doubted; after all the Eleven were confirmed believers in the resurrected Christ by this time (see John 20:19-28).

All Authority Given to Jesus in Heaven and on Earth

All authority has been given to Jesus, although He is not yet exercising all of it (see Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 2:5-9; 10:12,13; Revelation 3:21). He will manifest this power when He returns in all His glory (see 19:28; 1 Corinthians 15:27,28; Ephesians 1:10). The word authority normally refers to delegated authority (as in 8:9; 9:6,8; 10:1; 21:23,24,27).

Delegated Authority from the Father- Philippians 2:9-11; Daniel 7:13-14

The Father would give this authority to the Son (Philippians 2:9-11). Here the Lord Jesus may have been recalling the prophecy recorded in Daniel 7:13,14. 

The word "Therefore" shows that the Great Commission rests on the authority of Christ. Because He has authority over all, everyone needs to hear His gospel.

World Evangelism Rooted in Genesis 12:1-3

While verses 18-20 are commonly known as the Great Commission, they should not be thought of as the first call of world evangelism. See Genesis 12:1-3 for God's command that Abraham and his descendants should be a blessing to all nations.

Power in the Blood of Jesus: Worship Song

Before we continue exploring how to make disciples of all nations, take a moment to worship with this powerful song celebrating the victory we have through Christ's sacrifice. There's "Power in the Blood of Jesus" reminds us that the authority of Jesus in Matthew 28:18 was purchased at Calvary—where the Shepherd died for the sheep. This worship anthem proclaims the resurrection power and triumph over sin, death, and the grave that makes the Great Commission possible. As you listen, reflect on the covenant promise: through His blood, we are cleansed, empowered, and commissioned to go into all the world.

Make Disciples of All Nations: Understanding the Great Commission

Three Steps to Making Disciples

"Make disciples": Making disciples involves three steps: (28:19)

1- Going

2- Baptizing

3- Teaching

Baptism in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

It was assumed that when someone trusted in the Lord Jesus, he or she would be baptized. The word name is singular, although it is the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit together.

The Trinity Revealed in the Great Commission - 28:19

This verse is another indication that God is one in three Persons. 

Immanuel - God With Us Always

Christ's Promise: "I Am With You Always, Even to the End of the Age"

I am with you always demonstrates that Jesus is the true Immanuel, "God with us" (see 1:23; Hebrews 13:5,6; Revelation 21:3). 

Jesus' Ministry by the Numbers

Important Things Jesus Said and Did in the Gospel Accounts

36 Recorded Miracles of Jesus Christ

While on this earth, our Lord Jesus performed thirty-six recorded miracles.

38 Parables, 25 Prayers, and 16 Sermons

Christ told thirty-eight parables. He said twenty-five prayers. He preached sixteen sermons. He made forty-six predictions. 

37 Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled in Christ

Our Lord fulfilled thirty-seven Old Testament prophecies. 

 

Continue Reading: The Great Commission Mark 16:9-20

Also Read: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ ~ He is Risen - Matthew 28