At the end of Matthew’s Gospel, the risen Jesus meets his disciples on a mountain in Galilee. Some worship, some still doubt. To all of them he gives a mission that still shapes the church today.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
King James Version
Three parts
- An authority (verse 18): all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Jesus. The mission rests on him, not on our strength.
- A task (verse 19–20a): go, make disciples, baptise, teach them to obey. The main verb is “make disciples”; the others describe how.
- A promise (verse 20b): “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
All nations, many languages
“All nations” means every people and every language. A church that welcomes people in Kreyòl, French, English, Spanish or Portuguese is living this verse. Showing Scripture in more than one language on the screen is a small way to open the door wider.
Questions for a small group
- Why do you think Matthew mentions that some doubted (verse 17)?
- What is the difference between making converts and making disciples?
- Who is one person you can help to follow Jesus this month?
Read the whole chapter in the online Bible.
