Meaning of Matthew 28:20

This verse from Matthew 28:20 encapsulates the Great Commission, marking the culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry and the foundation for the ongoing mission of his followers. It's not merely a farewell but a profound mandate and a promise. The "teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" signifies the disciples' responsibility to not only spread Jesus' message but also to disciple others by imparting his teachings and ensuring they are put into practice. This involves a deep understanding and faithful adherence to all that Jesus instructed, encompassing his ethical teachings, his understanding of God's kingdom, and the very essence of his life and sacrifice. The assurance, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age," is a powerful declaration of Christ's perpetual presence and support for his disciples, assuring them that they are not embarking on this mission alone but with the divine empowerment and guidance of their Lord, even after his physical departure.

Context and Background

This passage occurs immediately after Jesus' resurrection and just before his ascension into heaven, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. The disciples, gathered on a mountain in Galilee (often identified as a place previously significant to them), receive their final instructions from the risen Christ. This setting amplifies the weight of Jesus' words, as it is his last direct command to his chosen followers before he returns to the Father. The disciples, having witnessed his miracles, his teachings, his crucifixion, and now his resurrection, are poised to become the initial propagators of Christianity. Their task is to extend the reach of Jesus' ministry beyond his immediate presence, ensuring his teachings and the implications of his redemptive work are passed on to future generations.

Key Themes and Messages

• Discipleship: The core of the command is to make disciples, which is more than just conversion; it involves a process of teaching and nurturing believers to understand and live out Jesus' teachings.
• Obedience: The emphasis on "obey everything I have commanded you" highlights that genuine faith is demonstrated through obedience to Christ's commands. This obedience is not burdensome legalism but a natural outflow of love and recognition of his authority.
• Perpetual Presence: The promise "I am with you always, to the very end of the age" is a cornerstone of Christian hope. It signifies that Christ's presence is not limited by time or space, and that his followers will always have his spiritual support and guidance.
• Universal Mission: Implicit in the commission is the idea that this mission is for all nations, as indicated in the broader context of the Great Commission.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse is foundational for the Christian church. It defines the church's primary purpose: to make disciples of all nations by teaching and embodying Christ's commands. The assurance of Christ's presence provides the motivation and power for this mission. Believers are called to actively engage in teaching, mentoring, and living out their faith in such a way that it influences others to follow Christ. The promise of his presence offers comfort and strength in the face of challenges, persecution, and the sheer magnitude of the task. It means that no Christian is ever truly alone in their walk with God or in their efforts to share the Gospel.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Matthew 28:20 functions as the climax of the New Testament's narrative of Jesus' earthly ministry and the inauguration of the church. It fulfills Old Testament prophecies concerning a coming Messiah who would establish a lasting kingdom and whose teachings would go forth to the nations. The sending out of disciples with Christ's promise of presence echoes God's presence with Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 33:14) but is now established through the indwelling Holy Spirit, a consequence of Christ's ascension. This verse sets the stage for the expansion of the Gospel described in the Book of Acts and the epistles, where the disciples, empowered by the Spirit, spread the Christian message throughout the Roman world.

Analogies

• A General Deploying Troops: Imagine a victorious general who, before departing for home, gathers his loyal soldiers and gives them specific battle plans and reassures them of his unwavering support, even from afar, promising victory. The disciples are the soldiers, Jesus is the general, the teachings are the battle plans, and his presence is the assurance of victory.
• A Master Craftsman Passing On Skills: A master craftsman teaches an apprentice not just the theory but the practical execution of every technique, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the established methods. The master then assures the apprentice that he will be with them in spirit, guiding their hand and ensuring their success as they practice their craft. Jesus is the master craftsman, the disciples are the apprentices, and his teachings are the skills being passed down.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 14:16-18: Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, the "Helper," who will be with the disciples forever. This is the fulfillment of his promise in Matthew 28:20, providing the power and means for his perpetual presence.
• Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses... to the ends of the earth." This verse directly links the Great Commission to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, enabling the disciples to fulfill Jesus' command.
• Colossians 1:28: "He is the one we proclaim, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ." This verse echoes the discipleship aspect of Matthew 28:20, highlighting the goal of spiritual maturity.
• Hebrews 13:5: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." This Old Testament principle, quoted in the New Testament, is a direct affirmation of God's unwavering presence and faithfulness, mirroring Christ's promise.