“The Great Commission”


BIBLE READING: Matthew 28
DISCUSSION                                                      
 Matthew 28:18-20
Before He returned to His Father in heaven, Jesus had one final task to complete: to assign the job of carrying on His work on the earth.  His parting charge, often called "The Great Commission," was given first to the apostles, but it was intended for His church "to the end of the age"(28:20).
It is interesting to note that in the beginning of Matthew's Gospel that Jesus is called Emmanuel, being interpreted, "God with us."  Jesus was going to be with those who followed His commands.  He is with us.  At the end of that same Gospel, Jesus says He will be with us to the end of the age.  The Christian age will end when Christ returns and eternal life in heaven begins.  Until that moment, Jesus will be with His disciples who are doing His work.  In Matthew 1:23, the baby Jesus was given the name "Emmanuel."  Jesus, as our reigning Lord, is to His disciples exactly what the name "Emmanuel" indicates: "God with us."
These verses teach immortality.  It would have been a vast comfort if Christ had promised to be with His disciples until their death, but this promise far exceeds that.  He is still with Peter, James, and John, and all who ever truly served Him in all generations.  He is the God of the living and not of the dead.  He brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.


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