Make Disciples
Text: Matthew 28:16-20
Core Idea: The church is commissioned to make disciples as we go, baptize, and teach people to observe the gospel truths. Jesus’ authority is the reason for our confidence and His presence, our comfort.
INTRODUCTION
Good afternoon, Lighthouse. It’s always wonderful to be together. If you’ve been with us, you would know that we’ve been in the sermon series called “The Church.” It’s our desire to know what the church is meant to be, and for that knowledge to inspire our hearts to dream of what our church can be. The church is a lot more precious, dynamic, diverse, accepting, love-driven, hope-filled, life-giving than we could ever imagine. Then I want to quickly give you an overview of what we learned so far before we dive into our final message of this series.
We learned that the church is called to be the salt and light of the world as we’re called to shine, illuminate the gospel truth wherever we go.
We were comforted by the fact that Jesus will build His church through the people who, by God’s grace, believe that Jesus is the Son of the living God.
We were encouraged by the fact that we were all uniquely created in the image of God – and that we carry this infinite value in us. And together, we establish this beautiful diversity in the community as the body of Christ.
We were challenged by the fact that we were called to interlock our lives to Christ our Cornerstone and to one another as we’re called to live for His glory in this foreign land we live in.
Through the first church in Acts, we saw that a healthy church devotes itself to God and to one another in all circumstances because they desire to see the Word of God spread.
And last week, we were humbled by the love Jesus displayed through His service as we’re moved and empowered to serve others like Him.
I pray that the Spirit has been using these truths to teach us, guide us, shape us, make us uncomfortable (in a good way), set a firm foundation in our community as we continue our journey together. But at the same time, I wonder if some of you feel a little overwhelmed – “How can we, how will we ever achieve all these things?” If this is you, I just want to tell you that we must be committed to this in the long haul as a community. This should not be a sprint; if we want to see life-long changes as a community, it’s going to take time – and that’s okay; we may make mistakes, we may feel like we’re taking many steps backwards – but we can be sure that we will move forward because He will build His church. This is so encouraging because it means that we don’t have to rush things; we don’t need to be impatient – according to His timing, through our faithfulness, we will make progress as a church. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Don’t be too hard on others. As we faithfully take one step out of time, we will find ourselves growing, transforming. Our pace may be faster or slower than we expected or desired, but let’s not be anxious but continue to encourage others to build this church to be the church that God desires to be.
Today, we’ll conclude this series by looking at the passage that has been historically called the Great Commission. Considering that these were Jesus’ final words to His disciples, it should cause us to read this with weightiness, humble and willing hearts. And here, you’ll see that Jesus is entrusting to the church the work of making disciples of all nations. Eric Geiger boldly writes, “The reason Jesus left His disciples on the planet was to make other disciples. The fundamental reason your church exists is to make disciples of Jesus.” No wonder churches have been prioritizing missions, evangelism, and church planting throughout history. But an honest conversation would reveal that there are degrees of discouragement, apathy, and inactivity in this area for many Christians. Why? Why are we neglecting one of the most important things that Jesus said – His final words to the church? Among many reasons, part of the reason must be that we’ve become so familiar with the Great Commission that we’re unable to see the potency of this truth. The Great Commission wasn’t simply given to be studied; it’s ultimately meant to awaken our hearts both individually and collectively as a church with this renewed passion to make disciples in our communities and among the nations. Then my prayer is that we would hear this in a whole new light – to see it not with this attitude of “Oh, I know what the Great Commission is about; I know what he’s about to share,” but with this humble heart knowing that this is the mission that Jesus Himself is entrusting to us. Brothers and sisters, these words are for you and me. Then if you have your Bibles, let’s turn to Matthew 28:16-20 and I invite you to hear it with a fresh heart.
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Amen. This is the Word of God for you today.
I want to share three things from this passage:
THE GREAT KING
THE GREAT COMMISSION
THE GREAT PROMISE
1) THE GREAT KING
Let’s go back to verse 16. “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him” – let’s stop there for now. We see Jesus gathering His disciples on a mountain before His ascension. Something that we often forget is that when Jesus stood before His disciples, He did so as the resurrected King. We didn’t read it, but the beginning of this chapter describes this glorious moment when Mary discovered the empty tomb. An angel proclaims, “Jesus who was crucified is not here – He is risen. So, go and tell others.” Can you imagine the responses of the disciples when they heard this incredible news? You really have to place yourself in their shoes to get a glimpse of their state of mind – only days before, the disciples witnessed Jesus being arrested that led to His crucifixion, death, and burial. They cried for Him. They grieved. They were discouraged, disappointed. Their hopes were dashed with Him – or so they thought. Standing before them was Jesus, resurrected, alive – He has defeated death, conquered the grave, and the sin of the world paid for. Can you imagine what the disciples must have felt? This is how they responded, verse 17, “They worshiped Him.”
The first and most defining characteristic of the church is that we are a people committed to worship this resurrected King. This is why Pastor John Piper famously said, “Mission is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exist because worship doesn’t. When this age is over, and the countless millions of the redeemed fall on their faces before the throne of God, missions will be no more. But worship abides forever.” We are foremost a people on our knees. If you walk away from this sermon, only thinking, “Well, we have a lot of things to do,” then you really missed the point. The Great Commission is not about “just get your act together and do it,” but it’s about the worship of God because everything we do is for His glory and enjoyment. Let me share one more quote from Pastor John Piper: “If the pursuit of God’s glory is not ordered above the pursuit of man’s good in the affections of the heart and the priorities of the church, man will not be well served, and God will not be duly honored. I am not pleading for a diminishing of missions but for a magnifying of God. When the flame of worship burns with the heat of God’s true worth, the light of missions will shine to the darkest peoples on earth.” Then what must be our church’s commitment? It’s to be a people who worship the King in and through all that we do.
It’s interesting to see that Matthew adds this at the end of verse 17, “But some doubted.” While some of them worshiped Jesus, some of them doubted Jesus. Just like others, they saw the resurrected King, but they still doubted. Now, what were they doubting about? I wonder if they were asking, “Is Jesus really worthy of my worship? Is He really worth following after? Is He really worth risking my life for?” which is why they were hesitant to worship. And I wonder if this describes some of you today – for whatever reason, you’re doubting, you’re unsure if you should give your life to Jesus. If this is you, I invite you to hear Jesus’ words in verse 18, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Do you realize how radical this statement is? Jesus is making an absolute claim about His kingship and lordship over the universe. He’s not just a local god or a personal god that exists to make your life better, comfortable, make you richer; no, all authority belongs to Him. In other words, there’s nothing that is not under His authority. He has complete, total right and power to rule all things which is why He deserves all our worship. Then we go, evangelize, disciple, proclaim, preach because Jesus is worthy of the worship of not just you and me, but also of every person on earth. Again, if you’re doubting, uncertain, wrestle with this idea: Is what Jesus says about Himself here true? If Jesus was not who He said He was, if He doesn’t have what He claims to have, then none of the rest really matters. But if what He said about Himself is true, then everything (His teaching, His life) matters greatly.
But one more thing that Jesus’ claim does for us: it gives us confidence. Jesus is essentially saying this to the church: “I have all authority. And I’m making all things in heaven and on earth at your disposal to accomplish what I’m calling you to do.” Our success as a church is not based on who we are or what we can do. It’s not about how talented we are, creative we are, resourceful we are. It’s about who Jesus is and what He is able to do through us. It’s based on His authority and power, not ours. He’s the One who defeated death – nothing was able to stop Him from achieving what He desired. Then know that whenever you face oppositions, challenges, or discouragements in this cause, this call to make disciples will utterly be unstoppable because this is what He desires. It will happen because He desires it for the lost to be found and the dead to be made alive again. Jesus is the God of gods, the Lord of lords. So, we die to ourselves, surrender our rights to determine the direction of our lives. He determines where we go, how we live, and what we do. He is the great King worthy of our worship.
2) THE GREAT COMMISSION
Let’s read verse 19. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Because of who Jesus is and what He can offer, this is what Jesus commissions all Christians to do confidently. Now, it would help us to see that the Great Commission contains one imperative verb (make disciples) and three participles (going, baptizing, teaching), which supports the main verb – essentially describing how we make disciples. The word “disciple” in Greek refers to a learner – it’s someone who is learning. This is more than intellectual learning (though it doesn’t disregard that); it’s a whole life learning. In other words, the goal was not only to know what their teacher knew, but also to be like their teacher – to walk in his ways. They weren’t learning a subject or a set of skills; they were learning a person – his knowledge, wisdom, and his whole way of life. Colin Marshall points this out: “When we’re asked to give a simple definition of what a disciple is, many often say, ‘Someone who follows Jesus.’ Though this is true, it might be more accurate to say, ‘Someone who is devoted to learning Jesus.’” It’s someone who sits at the feet of Jesus to learn from Him, to be like Him.
Then to make disciples means that people who worship Jesus, think like Jesus, speak like Jesus, and live like Jesus are helping others to worship Jesus, think like Jesus, speak like Jesus, and live like Jesus. This is what we’re called to do – and this must be why Lighthouse Toronto exists. This means that everything we do as a church will ultimately be for this reason. Our Sunday School will not be just to separate adults and children; it would be because we want to make our children and youth become disciples of Jesus Christ. The goal of our small groups will, of course, be to provide community, accountability, and fellowship; but it’s ultimately to make more disciples. We want every ministry here at Lighthouse to help people move from darkness to light, infancy to maturity as disciples of Jesus Christ. Then this also means that everyone will have a role in making disciples here at Lighthouse. You are all needed to make this possible. The Great Commission wasn’t given only to the leaders or the few; it was given to everyone who professes Jesus to be their Lord and Savior. Then some will hopefully make disciples overseas; but many of you will make disciples here through the ministries in the church but also through the relationships outside of the church.
Then how do we do this? Let’s briefly look at the three participles that Jesus uses. First, going. This was a specific command for the Apostles because they had to literally go out from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth to make disciples. But this is also for us because we cannot make disciples if we remain silent, stationed where we are. Now, I want to point out that the emphasis really isn’t on the effort that we must make to go. It’s true that going certainly requires intentionality and sacrifice; it will require us to inconvenience ourselves in many ways. But the emphasis is not how much effort we need to put in to go, but the fact that in going, we’re actually being sent. Jesus was saying, “I have all authority and I’m making that available for you because you’re being sent out from me to do my work.” We’re being sent out by Jesus under His authority, in His power. Think of it this way. If you’re a Christian, Jesus has already sent you to your current school, work, neighborhood, home to make disciples. The reason why you’re where you are is precisely because Jesus sent you there, placed you there to invite people to become learners of Jesus Christ. Then ask yourselves, “Am I going to school or work with this sense of purpose, mission (that Jesus is calling me to make disciples in this context)? Am I entering my daily routine knowing that Jesus has sent me there? Or am I mindlessly living my life (my aim being, ‘just get through the day’)?” I want to challenge you to pray for opportunities and for boldness to use these opportunities to share the greatest news the world will ever hear. Share your lives with them. Share the gospel with them. Brothers and sisters, we’re called to make disciples as we go.
Second, baptizing. We know that baptism isn’t required to be saved. Then why is this part of the Commission? Because baptism is a sign that we have learned the gospel. It signifies our public identification with Jesus Christ – it’s a sign of our commitment. It tells the world who we belong to. But there’s another reason why Jesus calls us to baptize – it’s because baptism is a sign that we belong to the church, to a body of others who are also learning Jesus. In other words, it acts as a reminder that Christian discipleship cannot happen without the presence of other believers in your life. I’ll even say this: you will not be able to grow as Jesus’ disciple on your own; you must belong to His body. Through other disciples, you’ll grow in the image of Christ – and through you, others will grow in the image of Christ. This is the beautiful design of discipleship laid out for the church, which is why we’re called to make disciples as we baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Lastly, teaching. It’s crucial for us to see that Jesus didn’t command us to teach everything He commanded; no, He called us to teach them to obey everything He commanded. Eric Geiger writes, “The end result of discipleship is not merely the knowledge of all Jesus commanded but the obedience to all Jesus commanded.” It’s not enough to know; He wants us to be transformed in our living by the truth. I love what Pastor David Platt points out: “The book of Matthew is an open-ended book, and the last chapter is still being written in the hearts and minds of disciples all over the world who are teaching the words of Christ. It’s not stopping with them. It’s spreading through them.” Then he asks this sobering question, “Will the Word stop with you or spread through you?” Brothers and sisters, I pray that we wouldn’t just receive the Word but that we would spread the Word. We’re called to make disciples as we teach them to obey everything He has commanded us.
Jesus is calling us to make disciples as we go, baptize, and teach. This is radically more than desiring and helping people to make a profession of faith. Of course, this is needed – but this isn’t the end goal, it’s only the beginning of their discipleship journey. In other words, our work doesn’t end when we lead people to make a decision to follow Jesus; no, we’re called to journey with them, help them become more and more like Jesus Christ. As a pastor, I’m called to do this. But as a student, a teacher, a banker, an artist, a nurse, a mechanic, a mom, a dad, a child, a small group leader, a Sunday School teacher, a friend, a co-worker – you can name wherever you are, whatever role you play – Jesus has intentionally commissioned you to that place, to that role for a purpose – make disciples of all nations. Will you be faithful? Will you obey?
3) THE GREAT PROMISE
Verse 20. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” It’s worth noting that this Great King giving us the Great Commission doesn’t promise success, fame, or effectiveness in our task. The great promise that He makes is the promise of His presence. No matter where we’re sent, no matter what we face in life, no matter what the challenges and pain we encounter, no matter what the criticisms or oppositions we receive, Jesus promises that He will be with us. In fact, when we go to make disciples, Jesus is telling us, “I’ll be there.” Can you imagine the comfort this would bring in times of despair, in the moment of weakness, fear, doubt, and hopelessness – to see our beautiful Savior, Lord, and King waiting for us to catch us when we fall and carry us through it all?
You may ask, “But how do I know He will be with me?” To answer this, it would help us to remember the context of this passage. Remember that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, was buried, then three days later, He conquered the grave and rose from the dead. He didn’t run away from the cross when He could have. In the moment of His greatest weakness, despair, and darkness, He chose us and endured the cross so that we could have life and forgiveness, so that He could be with us. If Jesus did this, there’s no place He would leave us alone. He will be with us. He will go before us. This is the great promise given to us. Then how can we not go knowing that His life-giving presence awaits us when we obey?
APPLICATION
I want to end with something I read in a book called Habits of Grace. It’s a phrase that the author was inspired by: “Think big, start small, go deep.” Think big by thinking about God’s glory that moves us, that stirs our hearts. Start small by focusing on a few like Jesus did. And go deep by investing at depth in those few – so deeply that they will be equipped and prepared to do the same in the lives of others. David Mathis, the author, writes, “Disciple-making is as massive as the Great Commission and as minute and seemingly menial as everyday life. The Christian life not only connects our little lives with God’s global purposes, but it also translates the bigness of the mission into the smallness of our daily actions.” Then I invite you to think big, start small, and go deep in your own life context to make disciples as you follow the example of Christ.
CONCLUSION
Lighthouse family, the church is commissioned to make disciples as we go, baptize, and teach people to obey the gospel truth. We must remember that Jesus’ authority is our confidence and His presence, our comfort. Then though it may be costly, challenging at times, let us obey the call knowing that Jesus is worth giving our lives to – He is the great King, worthy of our worship.