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Great Commission, Does It Apply Today? Matthew 28.16-28; Mark 16.15-16; Luke 24.44-49 Introduction:
In our study we must consider the context of the passage. The time element, to
whom was it spoken, the topic under consideration. The question asked by Philip
in Acts 8.30 applies to us today,
“Do you understand what you are reading?” We must also consider what other
passages teaches on the same subject, in other words harmonize the scriptures. Some
times people may wonder why we say the “Great Commission” applies today but
Jesus’ speaking to the thief on the cross does not? Why we look at the
establishment of the Lord’s Supper in Matthew
26 but not foot washing in John 13?
These are good questions and need to be answered. We also need to have the right
attitude in our study. I)
Jesus Spoke A)
As one having authority, Matthew 7.28-29 1.
At times Jesus spoke relating to the Law of Moses, Matthew
5.17-19 2.
When questioned in Matthew 19.1 on marriage and divorce, v.
5-6.
a. Jesus quotes Genesis and points out that they were not doing what God
said.
b. It was not lawful, they were not keeping the law of God. B)
Jesus spoke concerning abuses of and proper application of the Law of Moses 1.
Hypocrisy, Matthew 23 2.
Setting aside the law of Moses for their traditions, Matthew
15.3 C)
Jesus spoke to specific individuals 1.
The rich young ruler, Matthew 19.21,22-24 2.
John 9.7 go wash in the pool of
Siloam 3.
Jesus in speaking to the thief on the cross, Luke
23.43
a. Was this before of after the Law of Christ established, Pentecost
b. Are you the thief on the cross? D)
Jesus spoke spiritual truths for all mankind 1.
Need for repentance, Luke 13.3. 2.
Parable of the sower, Matthew 13. II)
Jesus Spoke Looking Forward To The Kingdom and Church A)
Jesus spoke His Law or the principles of His Law, Matthew 5
1.
When would these principles apply? Jesus is laying the basic principles of His
kingdom. 2.
Limited commission, Matthew 10.1, 5-6
a. To whom was this given? To the twelve
b. To whom were they to go? Not the gentiles but to the house of
c. When did this apply? Does it apply to us today? B)
Jesus knew He would die on the cross and establish His kingdom, Matthew
16.16-19. 1.
The Law of Moses would be taken out of the way,
Colossians 2.14 2.
His law would be established 3.
Establishment of the Lord’s Supper, Matthew
26.26-29
a. See disciples doing this in Acts
20.7
b. Paul goes back to the night of Jesus’ betrayal to show the purpose
of the Supper, 1 Corinthians 11.23-25 4.
Jesus’ law on divorce and remarriage, Matthew
19.9
a. When would this apply? Not during the law of Moses.
b. Had to have future application. 5.
Church discipline, Matthew 18.15-18
a. The church did not exist at that time.
b. What church were they to take it to? III)
The Great Commission A)
Matthew 28.16-20 1.
After His death and before:
a. His ascension into heaven, Acts
1.9
b. The coming of the Holy Spirit, Acts
1.8
c. People were baptized for the remission of sins 2.
When would this apply? 3.
To whom would this apply? 4.
What were they do to? 5.
By what authority were they to do this? B)
Mark 16.15-16 1.
When was this given? 2.
Where were they to go? 3.Were
they told to go into all the world before this? 4.
What were they to preach? C)
Luke 24-44-49 1.
When were all things fulfilled in the Law, Prophets, and Psalms concerning
Christ? 2.
When was this given? 3.
What were they to preach? 4.
Where was it to begin? 5.
When were to start preaching this Gospel? IV)
Fulfillment A)
Acts 2 1.
Had anyone been baptized before Acts 2
for the remission of sins? 2.
Did the church exist before Acts 2? 3.
By what authority were they baptizing? 4.
For what purpose were they baptizing? 5.
Who were being baptized? B)
Acts 10 household of Cornelius 1.
Cornelius was a gentile, Acts 10.1. 2.
What did Cornelius hear? 3.
Why was Cornelius baptized? Conclusion:
The Great Commission was not part of the Law of Moses. It was given to the
Apostles and they went out preaching the Gospel of Christ on the Day of
Pentecost. They also told others to go out and do the same, 2 Timothy 4.2; 2.1-2. Do you understand what you are reading? Are
you willing to do what Jesus commanded?
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