The Great Commission: Baptism, Authority, and Presence

Apr 19, 2026

Devotional

Day 1: Worship on the Doubted Mountain

The disciples climbed the mountain where Jesus had summoned them. When they saw Him risen, they fell to their knees in worship—yet some hesitated. Their Jewish upbringing screamed that only God deserves worship, but Jesus didn’t correct them. He stood there, scars visible, receiving their praise as naturally as sunlight. [51:29]

Jesus’ acceptance of worship reveals His divine identity. The disciples’ doubt didn’t disqualify them—it deepened their encounter. By letting them wrestle, Jesus showed that faith grows through honest questions, not rigid certainty.

When doubts about God’s presence nag you, worship anyway. Sing when your heart feels heavy. Kneel when your mind races. Jesus isn’t threatened by your struggles—He meets you in them. What area of your life feels too messy to bring before Him today?

“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.’”
(Matthew 28:16–18, ESV)

Prayer: Ask Jesus to strengthen your worship even when doubts whisper.

Challenge: Sing one worship song aloud today, focusing on Christ’s authority.

Day 2: Baptized into the Name

Water splashed over baby Ella’s head as the church vowed to raise her in Christ. Jesus’ command echoed: “Make disciples… baptizing them.” The font wasn’t just a symbol—it marked her entry into God’s family, where flawed people promise to reflect His love. [57:34]

Baptism declares God’s claim on us before we understand it. Like Ella, we’re welcomed not because we’ve earned it, but because Jesus’ death and resurrection made a way. The church’s job is to keep pointing her—and each other—back to that grace.

Who needs your intentional nurture in faith this week? A child? A new believer? Reach out with a text or prayer. Jesus’ commission starts with baptism but continues through daily acts of love. How might you help someone see their place in God’s family?

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
(Matthew 28:19, ESV)

Prayer: Thank God for someone who modeled faith to you—ask how to pay it forward.

Challenge: Write a note to Ella’s parents, pledging one specific way you’ll support her spiritual growth.

Day 3: Teaching Red-Letter Obedience

“Love your neighbor.” “I am the Way.” “Come to Me, weary ones.” Jesus’ words lit up the room as the congregation shouted His teachings. His final command was clear: train others to obey these life-giving instructions, not just admire them. [01:02:09]

Jesus didn’t say “teach them my ideas” but “teach them to obey.” His words are meant to be lived—like a surgeon’s scalpel reshaping hearts, not museum artifacts behind glass. The disciples spent years watching Him heal, forgive, and serve before He tasked them to teach.

Pick one red-letter command you’ve neglected. Feed the hungry? Forgive an enemy? Spend 10 minutes today acting on it. Jesus’ authority fuels our obedience. What teaching feels hardest to live out right now?

“Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
(Matthew 28:20a, ESV)

Prayer: Confess one area where you’ve prioritized comfort over Christ’s commands.

Challenge: Underline three red-letter statements in your Bible—do one this week.

Day 4: Authority Over Every Kingdom

Satan once offered Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world” for a moment of worship. Jesus refused. Now, resurrected, He declares, “All authority is mine.” The trap became the triumph—the cross turned the enemy’s lie into Christ’s eternal truth. [54:26]

Jesus’ authority isn’t a distant reality—it’s the bedrock of our hope. Every addiction, injustice, and grief bows to His rule. The disciples’ mission flowed from this certainty: their King had already conquered death itself.

What situation feels out of control? Name it aloud, then pray, “Jesus, claim Your authority here.” Trust His power, not your panic. Where do you need to stop striving and rest in His reign today?

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’”
(Matthew 28:18, ESV)

Prayer: Rebuke a specific fear or temptation in Jesus’ name.

Challenge: Write “ALL AUTHORITY” on your mirror—meditate on it each morning.

Day 5: Spirit-Filled to the Age’s End

The disciples stared at the sky as Jesus ascended. But He promised, “I’m with you always.” Ten days later, the Holy Spirit roared through the upper room—God’s presence no longer beside them, but within. The same Spirit fuels us today. [01:08:09]

Jesus’ physical absence didn’t abandon us—it unleashed His Spirit to dwell in every believer. We carry His power to heal, teach, and love. Like the disciples, we’re called to lean into this presence daily, not just during mountaintop moments.

Invite the Spirit to interrupt your routine today. Pause before reacting in anger. Whisper a prayer for a stranger. His “with you” promise is a call to action. What ordinary moment could become holy if you acknowledged His nearness?

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:20b, ESV)

Prayer: Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh—name one area where you need His fire.

Challenge: Set a phone reminder at 3:00 PM to breathe deeply and pray, “Spirit, lead me.”

Sermon Summary

The resurrection stands at the center: Jesus rises from death, appears to many witnesses, and proves his victory over sin and the grave. That vindication anchors the claim that the Father has given Jesus all authority in heaven and on earth, a kingship earned by faithful obedience, sinless life, and sacrificial atonement. The command that follows this authority sends disciples into the world with a clear mission: make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything Jesus commanded. Baptism receives a full theological treatment as a divine action that washes, adopts, and incorporates new members into the body of Christ, committing families and communities to nurture spiritual growth.

The baptismal rite itself models the Church’s role in disciple-making: parents present the child, the community promises support, and the water and words signify initiation into covenant life. The trinitarian formula—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—frames identity and belonging while pointing to the mystery of one God in three persons. The risen Lord’s presence does not cease with ascension; the pouring out of the Holy Spirit ensures ongoing, incarnate fellowship. The Spirit empowers believers to live out Jesus’ teachings, to rebuke temptation, to give and receive spiritual gifts, and to sustain witness until the end of the age.

Practical discipleship receives equal attention: evangelistic initiatives, small groups, Bible study, and hospitality all serve the Great Commission. Congregational life shows how ordinary rhythms—prayer, worship, fellowship, teaching—form Christian character and prepare people to welcome others into faith. The final promise remains sure: Jesus is with his people by the Spirit, enabling faithful obedience and mission. The combined rhythms of sacrament, proclamation, and relational discipleship demonstrate how the Church both celebrates what God has done and cooperates with the Spirit to make disciples across cultures and generations.

Key Takeaways

1. Resurrection confirms Christ’s authority The empty tomb and Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances prove that the Father vindicated Jesus’ life and sacrifice, establishing him as Lord over heaven and earth. This authority grounds the mission that follows: it is not human ambition but divine commission that sends disciples outward. Christian confidence flows from the reality that the risen King commands and equips the Church for mission. [46:54]
2. Baptism incorporates into God’s family Baptism functions as divine adoption: water and word mark entrance into the covenant community and pledge mutual responsibility for spiritual formation. The rite signals both forgiveness and a lifelong calling to be shaped by Christ and the Church. Families and congregations share the task of nurturing growth toward faithfulness. [31:01]
3. The Great Commission demands obedience Making disciples requires teaching people to obey everything Jesus commanded, not merely to assent to beliefs. Disciple-making includes instruction, habit formation, and moral formation so believers embody kingdom life in word and deed. Mission flows from the authority and teachings of Christ. [55:55]
4. Presence through the Holy Spirit The ascension does not abandon the Church; the Spirit makes Jesus present and active among believers, empowering witness, rebuking temptation, and enabling spiritual transformation. Openness to the Spirit cultivates discernment, perseverance, and communal love that sustains mission until the end of the age. [66:01]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[16:14] - Opening Psalm and Hymns
[20:00] - Announcements & AV Team
[21:20] - Baptism Introduced
[29:53] - Baptism Liturgy and Promises
[34:28] - Baptismal Blessing and Reception
[40:13] - Prayer and Scripture Reading
[46:31] - Resurrection Account Reviewed
[52:22] - Jesus’ Given Authority
[55:55] - The Great Commission Explained
[66:01] - Ascension and the Holy Spirit
[70:02] - The Call to Obedience and Hope
[81:45] - Final Charge: Go and Make Disciples

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading
Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV)
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Mark 10:13-16 (ESV)
13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

Observation Questions

In Matthew 28:17, some disciples worshiped Jesus while others doubted. What reason did the sermon give for their hesitation to worship Him? [50:24]
According to the sermon, how does baptism reflect both divine action and communal responsibility? [31:01]
What specific connection does Jesus make between His authority and the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-19?
How does Mark 10:13-16 relate to the role of families and communities in nurturing faith, as discussed in the sermon?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus accepted worship from His disciples (Matthew 28:17) even though they were Jewish and taught to worship only one God? How does this affirm His identity? [51:29]
The sermon emphasizes that baptism is not just a ritual but a “divine adoption.” What does this imply about the relationship between God, the individual, and the church community? [30:34]
Jesus commands disciples to teach others “to obey everything I have commanded” (Matthew 28:20). How is this different from simply teaching beliefs or doctrines? [55:55]
The sermon mentions the Holy Spirit’s role in empowering believers. How does this address the challenge of feeling alone or unequipped for mission? [01:06:01]

Application Questions

Jesus’ authority sends us to “make disciples of all nations.” What is one practical way you can participate in this mission—whether through relationships, service, or sharing your faith—this week?
Baptism involves a community’s promise to support spiritual growth. Who in your life (e.g., family, friends, church members) needs intentional encouragement in their faith? How will you offer that support? [31:57]
The sermon warns against reducing faith to mere belief without obedience. What is one area of your life where you need to align your actions more closely with Jesus’ teachings (e.g., forgiveness, generosity, honesty)?
How have you experienced Jesus’ presence through the Holy Spirit in times of doubt or mission? What habits (prayer, Scripture, fellowship) could help you become more aware of His presence daily? [01:08:09]
The disciples doubted even after seeing the risen Jesus. What doubts or questions about faith do you wrestle with? How can your small group pray for or walk with you in this?
Baptism signifies lifelong spiritual growth. What step could you take to deepen your own understanding of Scripture or prayer—joining a group, reading a book, or setting aside daily time?
The Great Commission includes “all nations.” How can you cultivate openness to people different from you (culturally, socially, or spiritually) to share God’s love in word or deed?

Sermon Clips

44s

#ReceiveHolySpirit

“Something else Jesus taught was, if you then who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will my father in heaven give the holy spirit to those who ask him. So feel free to ask him for the holy spirit if you feel you haven't received the spirit yet. But that is how Jesus is keeping this promise that he is with us always to the very end of the age because he has given us his holy spirit. And so he is alive within us. And his passions and his joy and his holy will is at work in our hearts and in our minds.”

46s

#RebukeInChrist

“Just as an aside, when you're being tempted, you too can rebuke Satan. You too can re rebuke the devil. You too can rebuke those temptations. You can say, get away from me. You can say, go back to hell. You can say, a rebuke against the devil, against those temptations not by your own power, not by your own authority, but because you are in Christ Jesus. Because Jesus Christ has been given all power and authority. By whom? Not by the devil, but by his heavenly father.”

50s

#JesusAscended

“Now what Matthew does not include here that Luke does, so we know sort of what happens next, is following this, Jesus ascended up to his heavenly father. After those forty days following his resurrection, Jesus had those forty days where he was appearing and talking and eating with people and they were, you know, seeing him and touching him and all of that beautiful, glorious, mysterious, joyful celebrations. But at the end of those forty days, as Jesus gave this commission to his disciples on that mountainside, Following that, Jesus ascended up to his heavenly father and sat down, we understand, at the right hand of his heavenly father.”

30s

#PromiseKept

“He says, surely, I am with you always to the very end of the age. Well, how is that Jesus? If we can no longer see you, if we can no longer hear you speaking, if if you're no longer walking among us on this earth, how is it that you are with us always to the very end of the age? And we know that he poured out his holy spirit ten days after his his ascension. The disciples and others were in that that upper room, possibly the same room where they'd had that last supper”

32s

#FilledWithSpirit

“a few weeks earlier, and the holy spirit came like a a fire with the sound of a violent wind, and they were filled with the spirit of the living god. They were filled with the spirit of the risen lord Jesus Christ. And we too have been filled with that same spirit. Some of you may not be able to feel that. Some of you may not be able to sort of put your finger on that and say, yes, I've received the holy spirit.”

40s

#AllAuthority

“So they saw him and they worshiped him and then they, like, came together fully. Jesus came to them and said, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. All authority in heaven and on earth, heaven and earth has been given to me. You'll recall that when Jesus was about to begin his public ministry a few years earlier, he went to the Jordan River. And his cousin, John the baptizer, baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, and then Jesus went out into the wilderness for forty days. I hope this rings a bell.”

48s

#GreatCommission

“So Jesus is giving his disciples, giving all of his disciples including us this as we came to call it, this great commission. This great mission to go and to make disciples and to baptize in the name of the father, son, and holy spirit. And so baby Ellie's parents have helped to fulfill Jesus' commission today by bringing Ellie to be baptized. And I've been a part of fulfilling Jesus' commission today. And all of us have been a part of fulfilling Jesus' commission today by receiving Ellie, by celebrating the sacrament of holy baptism that our lord has given to us,”

46s

#CenterOnChrist

“And we need to allow him to to have that space in our hearts and lives and put him at the center of who we are so that our emotions and our thoughts and our actions can flow forth in that same spirit of our risen lord. This is our beautiful lord Jesus Christ, the lord of lords and the king of kings. He is with us here now in this space. He's with you when you're in your homes, in your cars, at work. He is with us and we need to be open and sensitive to listening to him, to sensing him, to to spending time discerning his will”

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Byron United Church, London, Ontario This sermon · AI assistant

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The Great Commission: Baptism, Authority, and Presence

Devotional

Day 1: Worship on the Doubted Mountain

Day 2: Baptized into the Name

Day 3: Teaching Red-Letter Obedience

Day 4: Authority Over Every Kingdom

Day 5: Spirit-Filled to the Age’s End

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

The Great Commission: Baptism, Authority, and Presence

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