Sermons on Matthew 28:18

Matthew 28:18 Interpretation:

Living on Mission: The Call to Discipleship (2Rivers Church) interprets Matthew 28:18 by emphasizing the authority of Jesus as foundational for the Great Commission. The sermon highlights that Jesus' authority empowers believers to carry out the mission of making disciples. It notes that without recognizing Jesus' sovereign authority, the mission is doomed to fail. The sermon also delves into the Greek structure of the passage, explaining that the imperative command is to "make disciples," with "go" being in the active present tense, meaning "while you are going," which broadens the understanding of mission beyond traditional missionary work.

Embracing God's Now: Favor and Salvation Today (Cathedral Of Faith San Jose) offers a unique perspective by questioning why Jesus did not start the statement with "now," suggesting that the authority was always His and that the declaration of "now" is for believers to proclaim. The sermon uses the Greek word "nen," meaning "exactly now," to emphasize the immediacy and timelessness of Jesus' authority, suggesting that believers should live in the present reality of Jesus' authority and power.

Commissioned to Share: The Authority and Presence of Christ (Valley Center Community Church) interprets Matthew 28:18 by emphasizing the absolute and sovereign authority of Christ. The sermon uses the analogy of earthly authority, such as local government limitations, to contrast with Jesus' unlimited authority over heaven and earth. The sermon also delves into the Greek understanding of authority, highlighting that Jesus' authority is both physical and spiritual, encompassing all realms.

Embracing Our Mission: The Call to Discipleship (The Collective Church) interprets Matthew 28:18 by focusing on the authority given to Jesus through his death and resurrection. The sermon uses the analogy of a parent giving authority to a child to illustrate how Jesus imparts authority to his followers. It emphasizes that this authority is not just for personal empowerment but for the mission of making disciples.

Empowered to Go: Living the Great Commission (Exponential Church) interprets Matthew 28:18 by highlighting the authority of Jesus as the foundation for the Great Commission. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus' authority is comprehensive, covering all aspects of life and the universe. It uses the analogy of a covenantal agreement to explain the structure of the Great Commission, with Jesus' authority as the preamble.

Empowered Living: Transforming Culture Through Christ's Authority (Spout Springs Church) interprets Matthew 28:18 by emphasizing the comprehensive nature of Jesus' authority, which extends over both the living and the dead, the natural and supernatural realms. The sermon uses the analogy of George Washington's anointing as president to illustrate Jesus' anointing as king at his baptism, and his victory at the cross and resurrection as akin to Washington's victory at Yorktown. This analogy helps to convey the idea that Jesus' authority is not just a title but is backed by his victory over death and evil.

Embracing Our Responsibility to Lead Others to Jesus (Northpointe Community Church) interprets Matthew 28:18 by focusing on the transfer of responsibility and authority from Jesus to his disciples. The sermon uses the analogy of a father tossing car keys to his child to illustrate Jesus entrusting his disciples with the mission to lead and make disciples. This perspective highlights the trust and empowerment Jesus gives to his followers, despite their perceived inadequacies.

Embracing the Authority of Christ in Our Lives (Heaven Living Ministries HLM) interprets Matthew 28:18 by emphasizing the distinction between knowing and believing in Christ's authority. The sermon uses the analogy of a centurion who understands authority, comparing it to Jesus' authority, which is limitless. The sermon highlights that Jesus' authority is not just about power but also about the ability to command and be obeyed, even from a distance. This understanding is deepened by the analogy of a lawyer who, despite being empowered, needs authority to function fully, similar to how Jesus' authority is both inherent and delegated.

Engaging Faithfully: Christians and Political Authority (Grace Family Baptist Church) interprets Matthew 28:18 by linking it to the broader theme of authority and submission. The sermon uses this verse to argue that all authority, including political authority, is derived from Christ. It challenges the congregation to consider the implications of Christ's authority in all areas of life, including politics, and critiques the misuse of biblical texts like Romans 13 to justify blind obedience to political powers. The sermon emphasizes that Christ's authority is comprehensive, covering all aspects of life, and should inform how Christians engage with political systems.

Embracing the Extraordinary in Our Walk with Christ (Westside Church) interprets Matthew 28:18 by emphasizing the extraordinary nature of Jesus' authority. The sermon highlights that Jesus' authority is not ordinary but extraordinary, encompassing control over all things, including life, death, and the natural world. The preacher uses the analogy of Jesus' authority being so vast that it is difficult to grasp, comparing it to the extraordinary acts of God in the Old Testament, such as parting the Red Sea and performing miracles. This interpretation underscores the uniqueness and supremacy of Jesus' authority as something beyond human comprehension.

Embracing the Great Commission: A Call to Action (GraceAZ) interprets Matthew 28:18 by focusing on the command to "go" and make disciples, which is rooted in the authority given to Jesus. The sermon simplifies the concept of discipleship to being an "all-in follower of Jesus" who makes more followers. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus' authority is the foundation for the Great Commission, urging believers to act on this authority by stepping out of their comfort zones to spread the gospel globally.

Matthew 28:18 Theological Themes:

Living on Mission: The Call to Discipleship (2Rivers Church) presents the theme that Jesus' authority is not just a historical fact but an ongoing reality that empowers believers today. It emphasizes that the Great Commission is not just a task but a calling that involves living under Jesus' authority and being empowered by it.

Embracing God's Now: Favor and Salvation Today (Cathedral Of Faith San Jose) introduces the theme of immediacy in the Christian life, suggesting that the authority of Jesus is a present reality that believers must declare and live out. The sermon emphasizes the concept of "now" as a call to action for believers to embrace their current moment in faith and salvation.

Commissioned to Share: The Authority and Presence of Christ (Valley Center Community Church) presents the theme of Jesus' authority as empowering believers to fulfill the Great Commission. It emphasizes that this authority is the foundation for the mission and provides confidence and assurance in carrying it out.

Embracing Our Mission: The Call to Discipleship (The Collective Church) introduces the theme of authority as power for mission. It highlights that Jesus' authority empowers believers to live out their faith and engage in the mission of making disciples, emphasizing the need for power to combat spiritual challenges.

Empowered to Go: Living the Great Commission (Exponential Church) presents the theme of covenantal presence, where Jesus' authority and presence are linked to the mission of making disciples. It emphasizes that the presence of God is experienced as believers engage in the mission.

Empowered Living: Transforming Culture Through Christ's Authority (Spout Springs Church) presents the theme of Jesus' authority as a call for allegiance, emphasizing that Jesus has the right to demand allegiance from all creation due to his victory over death and his enthronement as king. This theme challenges cultural preconceptions about religious pluralism by asserting the exclusivity of Jesus' authority.

Embracing Our Responsibility to Lead Others to Jesus (Northpointe Community Church) introduces the theme of God qualifying the called rather than calling the qualified. This theme is supported by the idea that Jesus' authority empowers believers to fulfill their mission, regardless of their perceived inadequacies or failures.

Embracing the Authority of Christ in Our Lives (Heaven Living Ministries HLM) presents the theme that belief in Christ's authority is essential for a victorious Christian life. The sermon suggests that understanding and believing in Christ's authority can lead to breakthroughs in various aspects of life, such as health and success. It also introduces the idea that Jesus' authority is both given by the Father and shared within the Trinity, emphasizing the divine nature of His authority.

Engaging Faithfully: Christians and Political Authority (Grace Family Baptist Church) introduces the theme that Christ's authority should influence Christian engagement in politics. The sermon argues against the separation of church and state as a reason for Christians to avoid political involvement, suggesting instead that Christ's authority mandates active participation in political discourse. It also critiques the idea that politics and religion should be separate, asserting that all authority, including political, is under Christ's dominion.

Embracing the Extraordinary in Our Walk with Christ (Westside Church) presents the theme of Jesus' authority as a call to live an extraordinary Christian life. The sermon suggests that believers, empowered by Jesus' extraordinary authority, should strive to be extraordinary themselves, reflecting Jesus' nature in their actions and relationships.

Embracing the Great Commission: A Call to Action (GraceAZ) introduces the theme of discipleship as an active, ongoing process that involves making more disciples. The sermon highlights the importance of being an "all-in" follower of Jesus, suggesting that true discipleship requires a commitment to teaching and leading others in faith, supported by Jesus' authority.

Matthew 28:18 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Living on Mission: The Call to Discipleship (2Rivers Church) provides insight into the Greek language used in the New Testament, explaining the structure of the Great Commission and the significance of the imperative command to "make disciples." It highlights the cultural context of the time, where the Greek language was prevalent, and how understanding the original language can deepen the interpretation of the passage.

Empowered to Go: Living the Great Commission (Exponential Church) provides historical context by explaining the significance of Mount Arbel as a possible location for the Great Commission. The sermon describes the geographical vantage point from Mount Arbel, where Jesus could have visually directed his disciples to the nations, symbolizing the global scope of the mission.

Empowered Living: Transforming Culture Through Christ's Authority (Spout Springs Church) provides historical context by explaining the significance of Jesus' ascension and enthronement in the first-century context, where a new king's authority would be proclaimed by heralds throughout the territory. This insight helps to understand the disciples' role as heralds of Jesus' kingship.

Engaging Faithfully: Christians and Political Authority (Grace Family Baptist Church) provides historical context by discussing the misuse of Romans 13 in Nazi Germany to justify obedience to Hitler. The sermon also references the historical development of the separation of church and state in America, explaining that it was intended to prevent the establishment of a state church rather than to exclude religious influence from politics. The sermon cites historical documents, such as the letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptist Association, to support this interpretation.

Embracing the Great Commission: A Call to Action (GraceAZ) provides historical context by explaining that Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations was given to the eleven disciples who were accustomed to ministering in a familiar region. The sermon highlights the challenge and significance of Jesus' instruction to go beyond their comfort zone and reach all nations, emphasizing the cultural and geographical expansion of the early Christian mission.

Matthew 28:18 Cross-References in the Bible:

Living on Mission: The Call to Discipleship (2Rivers Church) references Acts, where the disciples, filled with the Holy Spirit, perform great acts of faith, illustrating the empowerment that comes from Jesus' authority. It also references 1 John 5:3-4, which speaks about the love of God and keeping His commandments, reinforcing the idea that Jesus' commands, including the Great Commission, are not burdensome but life-giving.

Embracing God's Now: Favor and Salvation Today (Cathedral Of Faith San Jose) references Hebrews 11:1, which speaks about faith as the substance of things hoped for, using it to illustrate the immediacy and certainty of faith in the present moment. It also references 2 Corinthians 6:2, which speaks about the time of God's favor and the day of salvation being "now," reinforcing the theme of immediacy in the Christian life.

Commissioned to Share: The Authority and Presence of Christ (Valley Center Community Church) references 1 Peter 3:22, Ephesians 1, and Daniel's prophecy to affirm Jesus' authority. These passages are used to support the idea that Jesus' authority is everlasting and encompasses all spiritual and physical realms.

Embracing Our Mission: The Call to Discipleship (The Collective Church) references Acts 1:8 to connect the authority given by Jesus to the power of the Holy Spirit for witnessing. It emphasizes that the authority is for the purpose of being witnesses to the ends of the earth.

Empowered to Go: Living the Great Commission (Exponential Church) references Philippians 2:9 and 1 John 5:12 to highlight Jesus' authority and the life-giving power of having a relationship with him. These passages are used to emphasize the comprehensive nature of Jesus' authority and its implications for the mission.

Empowered Living: Transforming Culture Through Christ's Authority (Spout Springs Church) references Romans 14, which speaks of Christ's lordship over the living and the dead, to support the interpretation of Jesus' authority as all-encompassing. It also references Psalm 110, which is quoted in Luke and Hebrews, to illustrate Jesus' enthronement and authority over his enemies.

Embracing Our Responsibility to Lead Others to Jesus (Northpointe Community Church) references 1 Corinthians 1 to emphasize that God chooses the weak and foolish to shame the wise and strong, supporting the theme that God qualifies the called. This passage is used to encourage believers that their mission is not dependent on their abilities but on God's power.

Embracing the Authority of Christ in Our Lives (Heaven Living Ministries HLM) references Matthew 8:9-11, where a centurion acknowledges Jesus' authority, to illustrate the power of believing in Christ's authority. The sermon also mentions Philippians 2:10, Colossians 2:9, and Ephesians 1:20-23 to emphasize the extent of Jesus' authority over all things, including angels and principalities.

Engaging Faithfully: Christians and Political Authority (Grace Family Baptist Church) references Colossians 1:15-17 and 1 Peter 2:13-17 to support the idea that all authority is derived from Christ. These passages are used to argue that Christians should engage with political authority from a biblical perspective, recognizing Christ's ultimate authority over all rulers and institutions.

Embracing the Extraordinary in Our Walk with Christ (Westside Church) references several Bible passages to support the extraordinary authority of Jesus. Acts 10:42 is cited to illustrate Jesus' authority to judge the living and the dead. Mark 4:39 is used to demonstrate Jesus' authority over nature, as He calms a storm with the words "Be still." Matthew 4:23 is mentioned to show Jesus' authority over sickness and disease. The sermon also references John 1:12-13, 1 Corinthians 6:19, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Colossians 2:14, 1 John 5:12, and Ephesians 1:3 to highlight the transformative effects of Jesus' authority on believers' lives.

Embracing the Great Commission: A Call to Action (GraceAZ) references Matthew 22:37-40 to simplify the command to obey everything Jesus has taught. The sermon connects the Great Commission to the greatest commandments: to love God and love others. The story of Moses in Exodus 17 is also referenced to illustrate the importance of recognizing God's presence and support in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Matthew 28:18 Christian References outside the Bible:

Living on Mission: The Call to Discipleship (2Rivers Church) references Charles Spurgeon, quoting him to challenge believers to examine their desire to see the lost saved, suggesting that a lack of desire may indicate a lack of true salvation. This reference is used to emphasize the importance of the Great Commission and the believer's role in it.

Empowered to Go: Living the Great Commission (Exponential Church) references N.T. Wright, who discusses the ongoing work of Jesus through his followers. Wright emphasizes that Jesus' authority is exercised through the mission of his followers, who are called to bring about transformation in the world.

Empowered Living: Transforming Culture Through Christ's Authority (Spout Springs Church) references Charles Spurgeon, who believed that Jesus' baptism was his anointing as king, similar to David's anointing in the Old Testament. This reference supports the interpretation of Jesus' authority as kingly and divinely appointed.

Engaging Faithfully: Christians and Political Authority (Grace Family Baptist Church) references historical figures and documents, such as Thomas Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptist Association, to argue against the modern interpretation of the separation of church and state. The sermon also discusses the influence of dispensational premillennialism on American foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel, and critiques this eschatological view for its impact on Christian political engagement.

Embracing the Great Commission: A Call to Action (GraceAZ) does not explicitly reference any non-biblical Christian authors or theologians in the discussion of Matthew 28:18.

Matthew 28:18 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Living on Mission: The Call to Discipleship (2Rivers Church) uses an illustration from Penn Jillette, a famous comedian and atheist, who questions how much Christians must hate someone not to share their faith if they truly believe in eternal life through Jesus. This secular perspective is used to challenge believers to take the Great Commission seriously and to share their faith boldly.

Embracing Our Mission: The Call to Discipleship (The Collective Church) uses the analogy of a Peloton bike ride to illustrate the concept of engaging in the mission. The sermon compares the stationary experience of a Peloton ride, where one can enjoy the scenery without moving, to the need for Christians to actively engage in the mission rather than remaining in comfort.

Empowered Living: Transforming Culture Through Christ's Authority (Spout Springs Church) uses the analogy of George Washington's anointing as president and his victory at Yorktown to illustrate Jesus' anointing and victory. It also references the cultural phenomenon of Japanese soldiers not knowing World War II had ended to illustrate the ongoing spiritual battle despite Jesus' victory.

Embracing Our Responsibility to Lead Others to Jesus (Northpointe Community Church) uses the analogy of a father tossing car keys to his child to illustrate Jesus entrusting his disciples with the mission. It also shares a humorous family story about a remote control car to illustrate the disciples' surprise and responsibility when Jesus left them with the mission.

Engaging Faithfully: Christians and Political Authority (Grace Family Baptist Church) uses historical examples, such as Nazi Germany and Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe, to illustrate the dangers of misapplying biblical texts like Romans 13 to justify blind obedience to political authority. The sermon also references the American political context, discussing the influence of dispensational premillennialism on foreign policy and the separation of church and state.

Embracing the Extraordinary in Our Walk with Christ (Westside Church) uses the analogy of a baseball coach's advice to "quit being ordinary" to illustrate the call for Christians to live extraordinary lives. The sermon draws a parallel between the effort required to make a competitive baseball team and the effort needed to live out an extraordinary Christian faith, emphasizing the need for believers to go beyond the ordinary in their spiritual walk.