Embracing the Great Commission in Everyday Life
Summary
Today’s focus is on the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20, exploring not just the command to “go,” but the deeper call to make disciples as we live our everyday lives. The context is crucial: the disciples, after three years with Jesus, are reeling from the trauma of his crucifixion and the confusion of his resurrection. Some worship, but some doubt—even in the very presence of the risen Christ. This honest portrayal of the disciples’ struggle reminds us that faith and doubt often coexist, and that God’s call is not reserved for those who have it all together. Even in our pain, confusion, or spiritual exhaustion, God meets us and calls us forward.
Jesus’ declaration that “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” is not just a theological statement—it’s a foundation for our confidence and obedience. There is no circumstance, no failure, no future event that is outside of his sovereignty. This means that our calling to make disciples is not based on our own strength or understanding, but on the authority and presence of Christ himself.
The command to “make disciples” is not a call to quick, transactional evangelism, but to a life of investment in others. It’s about walking with people, teaching them to obey all that Jesus has commanded, and celebrating their steps of faith—like baptism—as outward signs of inward transformation. This is not limited to foreign mission fields; the nations are among us, in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and even within our own families.
Obedience to this call is not about legalism or outward conformity, but about loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. The promise that Jesus is with us “always, to the end of the age” is both comfort and commission. Even when we don’t feel his presence, even when we’re hurting or doubting, he remains faithful. The invitation is to step out of routine, to see the world with God’s eyes, and to participate in his mission—trusting that he is with us every step of the way.
Key Takeaways
- Faith and Doubt Can Coexist in the Presence of God
The disciples worshiped the risen Jesus, yet some doubted. This honest moment shows that God’s call is not limited to those with unwavering faith. Even in our confusion, pain, or spiritual exhaustion, God invites us to show up and participate in his work. Our doubts do not disqualify us from being used by God. [38:42]
- Christ’s Authority is the Foundation for Our Mission
Jesus’ claim to all authority in heaven and on earth means that nothing in our lives is outside his control or knowledge. Our calling to make disciples is rooted in his sovereignty, not our own abilities or understanding. This truth frees us from fear and empowers us to obey, knowing that Christ’s authority undergirds every step we take. [43:59]
- Making Disciples is a Lifelong Investment, Not a Transaction
The command is not simply to “go” or to share the gospel once, but to make disciples—walking with people as they grow in faith. This involves teaching, modeling, and celebrating steps of obedience like baptism. True discipleship is relational and ongoing, requiring patience, humility, and a willingness to invest deeply in others’ spiritual journeys. [50:16]
- The Call to Make Disciples is for Everyday Life, Not Just Special Occasions
The Great Commission is not reserved for missionaries or pastors, nor is it limited to far-off places. “As you go”—in your daily routines, workplaces, and communities—you are called to make disciples. The nations are all around us, and God’s mission is woven into the fabric of ordinary life. [47:11]
- Jesus’ Presence is Our Constant Assurance, Even When We Don’t Feel It
The promise “I am with you always” is not dependent on our feelings or circumstances. Whether we are on the mountaintop or in the valley, in seasons of clarity or confusion, Christ remains with us. This assurance gives us courage to step out, to love, to serve, and to persevere in the mission he has given us. [56:59]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[28:33] - Introduction to the Great Commission
[30:14] - The Disciples’ Journey and Their Doubt
[32:22] - The Pain and Disillusionment of the Cross
[33:48] - Wrestling with Resurrection and Faith
[37:57] - Honest Worship Amid Struggle
[39:41] - God’s Goodness in Our Weakness
[41:30] - Jesus’ Response: All Authority Given
[43:03] - God’s Sovereignty Over Our Lives
[45:17] - The Ultimate Good and Christ’s Return
[45:57] - The True Command: Make Disciples
[47:11] - Everyday Discipleship and the Nations
[50:16] - Discipleship Beyond Evangelism
[52:24] - Baptism: Outward Sign of Inward Change
[54:37] - Teaching and Growing in Obedience
[56:59] - Christ’s Presence in Our Mission
[58:36] - Breaking Out of the Christian Bubble
[59:50] - Praying for a Heart Like God’s
[01:01:10] - Invitation and Response
[01:09:48] - Announcements and Giving
[01:11:47] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)
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### Bible Reading
- Matthew 28:16-20
_“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”_
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### Observation Questions
1. What emotions and reactions did the disciples have when they saw the risen Jesus on the mountain? ([30:14])
2. According to Jesus’ words, what is the main command he gives to his followers in this passage? ([45:57])
3. What does Jesus say about his authority before giving the command to make disciples? ([41:30])
4. What promise does Jesus give at the end of the Great Commission? ([56:59])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Matthew includes the detail that “some doubted” even as the disciples worshiped the risen Jesus? What does this tell us about faith and doubt? ([38:42])
2. How does Jesus’ claim to “all authority in heaven and on earth” affect the way we should view his command to make disciples? ([43:59])
3. The sermon points out that “make disciples” is the main command, not just “go.” What does it mean for disciple-making to be a lifelong investment rather than a one-time event? ([50:16])
4. Jesus promises to be with his followers “always, to the end of the age.” How might this assurance impact someone who feels spiritually exhausted or unsure? ([56:59])
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### Application Questions
1. The disciples worshiped, but some doubted—even in Jesus’ presence. Have you ever felt like you were struggling with doubt or spiritual exhaustion, even while trying to worship or serve? How did you respond, and what helped you keep going? ([38:42])
2. Jesus says that all authority belongs to him. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to remember that Jesus is in control? How might trusting his authority change your attitude or actions this week? ([43:59])
3. The sermon emphasized that making disciples is not just about sharing the gospel once, but about walking with people as they grow. Who in your life could you intentionally invest in spiritually over the next month? What would that look like? ([50:16])
4. “As you go”—in your daily routines, workplaces, and neighborhoods—you are called to make disciples. What is one ordinary place or relationship where you could be more intentional about living out your faith? ([47:11])
5. Baptism is described as an outward sign of an inward change and a celebration. If you have been baptized, how did that experience impact your faith? If you haven’t, what questions or hesitations do you have? ([52:24])
6. Jesus says to teach others to obey everything he has commanded. What is one teaching of Jesus that you find challenging to obey? How can your group encourage you in this area? ([54:37])
7. The sermon challenged us to pray for God to open our eyes to see the world and our community as he does. Will you commit to praying this prayer this week? What do you hope God will show you or change in your heart? ([59:50])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you trust his authority, to give you courage to step out in faith, and to open your eyes to opportunities to make disciples in your everyday life. Pray for those in your group who are struggling with doubt or exhaustion, that they would feel Jesus’ presence and comfort.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Calls Us to Make Disciples of All Nations
The Great Commission is not just a command to go, but a call to make disciples as we live our daily lives, investing in others so they may grow in Christ and share His love with the world. This means intentionally building relationships, sharing the gospel, and walking alongside others as they learn to follow Jesus—not just offering a quick word or a tract, but truly helping them mature in faith. Whether at home, work, or in our community, we are called to see every moment as an opportunity to help others know and follow Jesus, remembering that the nations are all around us, not just across the globe. [47:11]
Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV)
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Reflection: Who is one person in your daily life you can intentionally invest in this week to help them grow as a disciple of Jesus?
Day 2: God’s Authority and Presence in Our Struggles
Even when we are hurting, doubting, or disillusioned, Jesus meets us where we are and reminds us that all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Him, and He is with us always. No matter what burdens we carry or how heavy life feels, God’s sovereignty covers every situation, and His presence is not dependent on our feelings or circumstances. He knows our hearts, our struggles, and our doubts, and He promises never to leave or forsake us, giving us the strength to keep going even on our hardest days. [43:59]
Matthew 28:18, 20 (ESV)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. … And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God’s authority and presence, even if you don’t feel it right now?
Day 3: Faithfulness Despite Doubt and Disillusionment
The disciples worshiped Jesus, but some doubted—even after seeing the resurrected Christ. Yet, despite their confusion and pain, they showed up, and God used them to change the world. Our faith journey is not about having it all together, but about bringing our honest selves before God, trusting that He can use us even in our weakness, doubts, and brokenness. Showing up in faith, even when it’s hard, is an act of courage that God honors and uses for His purposes. [38:42]
Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Reflection: When have you felt like you were just “showing up” in your faith? How might God want to use your honesty and vulnerability for His glory?
Day 4: Baptism and Obedience as a Celebration of New Life
Baptism is the first step of obedience for a new believer, a public celebration of moving from death to life in Christ, and a declaration of our eternal security in Him. It is not just a ritual, but a joyful proclamation that we belong to Jesus, and nothing can separate us from His love. As a church, we are called to celebrate with those who are baptized, recognizing the miracle of salvation and encouraging one another to continue growing in faith and obedience. [54:37]
Romans 6:4 (ESV)
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Reflection: If you have been baptized, how can you celebrate and encourage others in their faith journey? If you haven’t, what is holding you back from taking this step of obedience?
Day 5: Loving God and Loving Others Is the Heart of Discipleship
At the core of Jesus’ teaching is the call to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Discipleship is not about following a list of rules or fitting into a religious mold, but about pursuing Jesus wholeheartedly and letting His love transform how we treat others. When we focus on loving God and people, we fulfill the heart of His commands and become the kind of disciples who make a real difference in the world. [56:59]
Mark 12:30-31 (ESV)
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can show love to God and to a neighbor today, reflecting the heart of Jesus in your actions?
Quotes
So, so let me tell you what that means for you in your situation.There is no situation in your life that you have gone through or are going through or will go through that is not accounted for in God's sovereignty.There is nothing that you have experienced or will experience that God does not know about. There is not a car accident in your future that God hasn't already accounted for.There is not a dumb comment that you are going to make at some point in your life, speaking from personal experience, that God has not already factored into your life. [00:43:36] (31 seconds)
When we're teaching people who are just coming to the Lord, they...just put their faith and trust in the Lord, there is not a section on dress this way.There is not a section on you can only eat certain foods. There is not a section on you have to talk a certain way. You got to learn how to speak church in ease, right? That's not in there.It's, man, love your neighbor as yourself.Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. Man, if you can learn how to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, I won't have to tell you any of those things. [00:56:10] (37 seconds)
All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.And this lays the backdrop.This is the springboard for the rest of this passage.Jesus is saying all authority over the church.He's not saying all authority over my disciples. He's saying I run it all, baby. And what I'm about to tell you, you better take to heart.Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age. [00:45:47] (44 seconds)
He doesn't say like, hey guys, I know, I know you're hurting. I know how you feel. He doesn't come in and he doesn't coddle them. He's not, he's not trying to, no, he's going to say right from the beginning, he's going to go ahead and state it. Listen, I was crucified. I was murdered. I was put into a grave. I came up from that grave. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Not some, not, not partial authority. He's not splitting his authority between him and Buddha or Muhammad or anybody else. It's all his. [00:42:07] (36 seconds)
And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age.So Jesus finds these men in a place where they are doubting. Some of them are disillusioned. Some of them are hurting, trying to make sense of what's going on around them.Not all of them are in a good place.And in the midst of all that, he says, listen, I know you're confused. I know you're hurting.All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me.Go therefore and make disciples, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you.And I will be with you always to the end of the age. [00:56:59] (60 seconds)
So let me say, followers of Jesus, brothers and sisters in Christ, if you're here this morning and you have neglected this part of your call, I want to make it really simple. I want to encourage you right now to pray and just say, God, open my eyes to see the world around me, to see the community the way that you see it, and open my heart to be burdened for their salvation.And watch what Jesus does in your life.God, help me to see it and help me to hurt over it so that I can love them the way that you love them. And watch what Jesus does in your life. [00:59:53] (40 seconds)
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