Sermons on Matthew 28:20

Matthew 28:20 Interpretation:

Embracing the Great Commission: A Call to Discipleship (State College Access Church) interprets Matthew 28:20 by emphasizing the necessity of Jesus' presence for the fulfillment of the Great Commission. The sermon highlights that Jesus' promise to be with his followers "to the very end of the age" is crucial because it would be impossible to fulfill the mission without His spiritual presence. The pastor explains that Jesus' ascension was necessary so that His Spirit could be poured out, allowing His presence to be with all believers simultaneously, thus empowering them to carry out the mission of making disciples.

Commissioned to Share: The Authority and Presence of Christ (Valley Center Community Church) interprets Matthew 28:20 by emphasizing the authority of Christ as the foundation for the Great Commission. The sermon highlights that Jesus' authority is not limited like earthly authorities and that His presence with believers empowers them to fulfill the mission of making disciples. The sermon uses the analogy of earthly authority to contrast with the limitless authority of Christ, which is given by the Father and is everlasting.

Empowered to Go: Living the Great Commission (Exponential Church) interprets Matthew 28:20 by focusing on the covenantal nature of Jesus' promise to be with His followers. The sermon explains that the presence of God is tied to the obedience of the Great Commission, suggesting that as believers go, baptize, and teach, they experience the presence of Christ. The sermon uses the analogy of an ancient covenantal agreement to explain the structure of the Great Commission.

Empowered to Multiply: The Call to Disciple-Making (Reach City Church Cleveland) interprets Matthew 28:20 as a reassurance of Jesus' presence and authority in the mission of disciple-making. The sermon emphasizes that the responsibility of proclaiming the gospel is not about getting people saved but about planting seeds, as the growth and salvation are God's work. The analogy of a farmer planting seeds and not controlling the crop's growth is used to illustrate this point. The sermon also highlights the importance of obedience in going and proclaiming the gospel, trusting that Jesus is with us and empowers us through the Holy Spirit.

The Incarnation: God's Love Made Flesh (TRINIMAC UMC) interprets Matthew 28:20 by emphasizing the ongoing presence of God through the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The sermon uses a creative narrative imagining a conversation between God the Father and Jesus before His earthly mission, highlighting the promise of Jesus' presence with His followers. The interpretation focuses on the idea that Jesus' incarnation is a demonstration of God's love and His promise to be with humanity always, even to the end of the age.

Reprioritizing Our Lives: Building God's Kingdom First (Commonplace Church) interprets Matthew 28:20 as a reassurance of God's presence with believers as they undertake the task of building His kingdom. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus' promise to be with His followers "to the very end of the age" is a source of strength and encouragement for Christians as they prioritize their relationship with God and engage in the work of making disciples. This interpretation highlights the continuous and active presence of God in the lives of believers, encouraging them to reflect, recommit, and be reassured in their faith journey.

Matthew 28:20 Theological Themes:

Embracing the Great Commission: A Call to Discipleship (State College Access Church) presents the theme that Christianity is inherently a missionary faith. The sermon emphasizes that every Christian is a missionary, tasked with spreading the gospel and making disciples. This theme is distinct in its focus on the communal and individual responsibility of believers to engage in missions, supported by the assurance of Jesus' presence.

Commissioned to Share: The Authority and Presence of Christ (Valley Center Community Church) presents the theme of the authority of Christ as a source of empowerment for believers. The sermon emphasizes that Christ's authority is the basis for the Great Commission and that His presence provides encouragement and support for believers as they fulfill their mission.

Empowered to Go: Living the Great Commission (Exponential Church) introduces the theme of the covenantal relationship between Christ and His followers. The sermon highlights that the promise of Christ's presence is contingent upon the obedience to the Great Commission, suggesting a reciprocal relationship between mission and divine presence.

Empowered to Multiply: The Call to Disciple-Making (Reach City Church Cleveland) presents the theme that the pressure of evangelism is relieved by understanding that conversion is God's responsibility, not ours. The sermon emphasizes the freedom that comes from knowing that our role is to plant seeds, and God is responsible for the growth and harvest.

The Incarnation: God's Love Made Flesh (TRINIMAC UMC) presents the theme of God's omnipresence and His intimate involvement in human life through the incarnation. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus' promise to be with His followers is a continuation of God's presence from the Old Testament, now made manifest in the person of Jesus Christ. This theme is distinct in its focus on the incarnation as a tangible expression of God's eternal presence and love.

Reprioritizing Our Lives: Building God's Kingdom First (Commonplace Church) presents the theme of God's presence as a constant source of reassurance and strength for believers. The sermon emphasizes that God's promise to be with His followers is not just a comforting thought but a powerful reality that enables Christians to prioritize their relationship with Him and engage in His work with confidence and purpose.

Matthew 28:20 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Embracing the Great Commission: A Call to Discipleship (State College Access Church) provides historical context by explaining the significance of Jesus' authority in the Gospel of Matthew. The sermon notes that Jesus' authority is a recurring theme, demonstrated through His teachings, miracles, and power over sin and death. This authority is then delegated to the church, empowering believers to carry out the Great Commission.

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 of Mount Arbel, which allows one to see multiple regions, symbolizing the global scope of the mission. The sermon also discusses the cultural shift from a "come to the temple" model to a "go to the world" model, highlighting the new direction for the people of God in the New Testament.

The Incarnation: God's Love Made Flesh (TRINIMAC UMC) provides historical context by discussing the cultural understanding of gods in ancient times as distant and inaccessible. The sermon contrasts this with the Christian understanding of God as accessible and present through Jesus Christ, who bridges the gap between heaven and earth.

Matthew 28:20 Cross-References in the Bible:

Embracing the Great Commission: A Call to Discipleship (State College Access Church) references Acts 1:8, which speaks of receiving power from the Holy Spirit to be witnesses. This passage is used to illustrate the ripple effect of spreading the gospel, starting in Jerusalem and expanding outward. The sermon connects this to Matthew 28:20 by emphasizing the empowerment and authority given to believers to fulfill the mission.

Commissioned to Share: The Authority and Presence of Christ (Valley Center Community Church) references several passages to support the interpretation of Matthew 28:20. 1 Peter 3:22 and Ephesians 1 are used to affirm Christ's authority over all things. Daniel's prophecy is mentioned to emphasize the everlasting dominion of Christ. Romans 10:13-15 is cited to explain the process of evangelism and the necessity of preaching the gospel.

Empowered to Go: Living the Great Commission (Exponential Church) references Philippians 2:9 to affirm the authority of Christ and 1 John 5:12 to emphasize the necessity of having the Son for eternal life. The sermon also references John 17:4 to highlight the completion of Jesus' work in making disciples who continue the mission.

Empowered to Multiply: The Call to Disciple-Making (Reach City Church Cleveland) references several Bible passages to support the interpretation of Matthew 28:20. Luke 10:16 is used to explain that rejection of the gospel is not personal but a rejection of Jesus. Mark 4:26-29 is referenced to illustrate the parable of the growing seed, emphasizing that the farmer does not control the growth. 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 is cited to show that Paul and Apollos were merely servants, and God gives the growth. Matthew 16:18-19 is mentioned to highlight Jesus' role in building the church. Acts 1:7-8 is used to emphasize the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in witnessing.

The Incarnation: God's Love Made Flesh (TRINIMAC UMC) references John 1:1-14, which speaks of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, to support the interpretation of Matthew 28:20. This passage is used to emphasize the incarnation as the means by which God fulfills His promise to be with His people always.

Reprioritizing Our Lives: Building God's Kingdom First (Commonplace Church) references Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe His commands. This passage is used to emphasize the Great Commission and the assurance that Jesus is with His followers always, providing the foundation for the sermon's call to prioritize God's kingdom and engage in His work.

Matthew 28:20 Christian References outside the Bible:

Embracing the Great Commission: A Call to Discipleship (State College Access Church) does not explicitly reference any non-biblical Christian authors or theologians when discussing Matthew 28:20.

Commissioned to Share: The Authority and Presence of Christ (Valley Center Community Church) references John Wimber, founder of the Vineyard Church, who is quoted as saying, "Everybody gets to play," emphasizing the inclusive nature of the Great Commission for all believers.

Empowered to Go: Living the Great Commission (Exponential Church) references N.T. Wright, a New Testament scholar, who discusses the ongoing work of Christ through His followers and the transformation of the world under His life-giving love.

Empowered to Multiply: The Call to Disciple-Making (Reach City Church Cleveland) does not explicitly reference any non-biblical Christian authors or theologians in the discussion of Matthew 28:20.

The Incarnation: God's Love Made Flesh (TRINIMAC UMC) does not explicitly reference any non-biblical Christian authors or theologians in its discussion of Matthew 28:20.

Reprioritizing Our Lives: Building God's Kingdom First (Commonplace Church) does not explicitly reference any non-biblical Christian authors or sources when discussing Matthew 28:20.

Matthew 28:20 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Embracing the Great Commission: A Call to Discipleship (State College Access Church) does not include any illustrations from secular sources specifically related to Matthew 28:20.

Commissioned to Share: The Authority and Presence of Christ (Valley Center Community Church) uses the historical example of the "Come and Take It" flag from the Texas Revolution to illustrate the authority and confidence believers have in fulfilling the Great Commission. The sermon draws a parallel between the defiant hope of the Texans and the assured victory of Christ's mission.

Empowered to Go: Living the Great Commission (Exponential Church) uses the analogy of a Duck Donut to illustrate the difference between knowing and living out the teachings of Christ. The sermon humorously contrasts the knowledge of healthy eating with the indulgence in a donut, paralleling the difference between knowing the Great Commission and actively living it out.

Empowered to Multiply: The Call to Disciple-Making (Reach City Church Cleveland) uses the analogy of a farmer planting seeds to illustrate the concept of disciple-making. The sermon explains that just as a farmer plants seeds and waits for nature to take its course, Christians are called to plant the seeds of the gospel and trust God for the growth. The sermon also uses the example of Peter's transformation from cowardice to courage through the Holy Spirit to illustrate the empowerment believers receive.

The Incarnation: God's Love Made Flesh (TRINIMAC UMC) uses a creative narrative imagining a conversation between God the Father and Jesus before His earthly mission. This imaginative dialogue serves as a metaphor for the incarnation and God's promise to be with humanity, illustrating the concept of divine presence in a relatable and engaging way.

Reprioritizing Our Lives: Building God's Kingdom First (Commonplace Church) uses the example of Google's original name, "Backrub," to illustrate the importance of considering one's ways and making thoughtful decisions. The sermon uses this analogy to emphasize the need for reflection and prioritization in the Christian life, drawing a parallel between the decision to rename Google and the need for believers to prioritize their relationship with God.