The Great Commission
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Introduction
Introduction
How does a movement start / spread?
The Christian faith, from one leader to billions of believers over a 2,000 year span covering every continent and the majority of people groups.
It comes through what we call “evangelism.”
Evangel = Gospel
Gospel = Good News
So, to evangelize is to gospelize is to tell people the Good News?
What is the Good News? If you are a Christian, it is something you have accepted as truth and committed your life to follow.
It is this: that even though I have broken God’s perfect law and deserve an eternity of punishment separated from Him, He loves me.
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
We have received the good news from someone. And the teachings of the Bible is that we are to take that Good News and share it with others, we are all to engage in the Great Calling of sharing the Good News.
Here we find Jesus passing along this Great Commission to the believers.
And we ask ourselves, what is our role in continuing the spread of the Gospel?
Who Is Called?
Who Is Called?
vv. 16-17
Is every believer called to share their faith?
The most explicit calling to share the Gospel is right here, Jesus is speaking to a group.
Just the 11? Just church leaders (apostles / disciples)? Just a subset of gifted Christians? Just Christians who have it all figured out (whatever that is)?
The remaining 11 disciples are here - which represents the church. Through them, the teachings of Jesus will be spread.
But, also there is evidence there are more present.
7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”
10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
So, as Jesus sets out the calling of the Great Commission, the audience is larger than just the eleven.
Which may help us to understand what we find in v. 17.
When they saw Jesus, some worshiped and some doubted.
Who all is here? Disciples, the women, and others...
6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.
So, we’ve got this crowd, not sure exactly how many are there, but they have gathered to receive a word from Jesus.
Some who were in awe of Jesus and some who were still broken and uncertain.
And Jesus gives this calling to them as well.
Regardless of where you are in your spiritual journey, share Jesus.
There could even be the push back of thinking that it isn’t your job to share because it isn’t your spiritual gift.
Encouragement, giving, wisdom, service, discernment, hospitality.
We are not excused from exercising those responsibilities just because we aren’t gifted in those areas. Gifting makes those things easier.
So, evangelism… Some of us just have to work harder at it than others.
All believers are called.
Who Calls?
Who Calls?
v. 18
First, it is Jesus. Crucified and resurrected. The Christ.
It is Jesus, who has spent three years with many of them teaching them and demonstrating what life is to be. Jesus.
Third, it is Jesus who is God. He has authority. All authority. Physical world & spiritual world. The Lord.
And even though all of this, what does Jesus do when approached by those who worship and those who doubted?
Jesus came to them.
Unworthy as they were, Jesus came to them.
Our calling, as believers, comes from
The Lord Jesus Christ calls us.
Notice how their approach stalls.
And what does Jesus do? Reprimand them? Mock them?
He comes to them.
Just as He came to us from Heaven to call us to salvation, He comes to His followers and calls us to share the Gospel.
What Is The Calling?
What Is The Calling?
vv. 19-20
Main verb: Make Disciples
First Participle:
Going = Living intentionally
Second Participle:
Baptizing = Salvation & Community
Third Participle:
Teaching = Discipleship & Mentorship
Empowered by presence.
Conclusion
Conclusion
"Evangelism is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.” - D.T. Niles
The reality is that someone told you.
Maybe a pastor or a ss teacher. A friend, a parent, or a co-worker.
Someone who knew the Gospel shared it with you.
And now you have the Gospel.
All believers are called by the Lord Jesus to share the Gospel.