Introduction
And so Matthew ends: the disciples return to the place where their journey began (v. 6).
In the place where they were first called, Jesus gave them His final instruction: He called them to call others to follow Him. He gave them the Great Commission.
The key command: Disciple the nations! It’s at the heart of what God has called Covenant EFC to be and do. Question: are we so “familiar” with it that it has become white noise? Is it on our wall but not part of our walk with the Lord?
We need to see the Great Commission in a fresh light. It is a commission, our divine assignment – but more than that, it is a Great Co-Mission: God co-opts us into His plan and co-labours with us. Breaking this down further:
A. IT’S GREAT (vv. 19-20a)
1. The scope of the mission is huge.
a. We are called to all nations — every culture, every community.
2. The central task of discipling is hard.
a. Discipling the nations includes baptising — a powerful sacrament symbolising complete life transformation.
b. Discipling the nations includes teaching — not just about completing a curriculum, but submitting to God fully.
c. We have to learn and re-learn, taking three steps forward and two steps back.
3. Given the great difficulties of the Great Co-Mission, we might be tempted to shrink back in fear, fatalism or apathy.
a. But remember the example of William Carey, the “father of modern Protestant missions”. He lived and taught this: “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.”
1. It’s God’s mission, God’s story. God is the hero in the drama.
2. The task of the Great Commission is sandwiched by the theology of Christ:
a. Christ has all authority. Remember what we learnt about the authoritative King in Matthew’s gospel. His authority gives us assurance to persevere!
b. Christ abides with us – “I am with you always”. This is the same message that Matthew began his gospel with (v. 1:23). Christ’s promise of abiding presence is a statement of fact – we never have to beg for His presence. He is already with us.
3. The question we need to ask and answer is this: will we be with Him? Will we join in a grand adventure of faith with our Master, and say “yes” to His Great Co-Mission?
Conclusion
Into Your hands, I commit again all I am – for King and Kingdom!
Sunday Worship Songs at cefc.ch/sws
Next Week’s Topic: Christmas Evangelistic Message
Next Week’s Speaker(s): Irwin See (BPJ), Ps Timothy Yeo (WDL) & Ps Lim Keng Yeow (East)
