A new program is airing on AFR-Talk called “Exploring Missions”, which can be heard on Sunday afternoons at 1:00 Central Time. We will examine scriptures that deal with missions and interview guests who are active in carrying out the Great Commission which reads,

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen (Matthew 28;18-20).

Matthew had been part of the ‘Mission Team” that Jesus had previously sent out and now hears these words, which must bring back memories of the tasks that had taken place before. Now there is the added dimension of the Resurrection and the power that will be added after the Holy Spirit falls on him at Pentecost. This commission is filled with authority, anticipation, and assignment.

First, notice the authority that Jesus says will be given to those who are on mission with the gospel. Matthew had observed that power many times, as Jesus healed all kinds of disease, delivered individuals from the oppression of demons, calmed raging storms and raised the dead to life. Now He shares with Matthew and the others the promise of that same authority. Jesus not only has the authority over all these, but now He enables others to complete the work He started with that same authority.

Second, notice the anticipation this passage of scripture presents to this group who would turn the world upside down. Words like “Go”, “all nations”, “I am with you”, “always” and “the end of the age” are filled with the very thought of what was about to happen. Each of these words or phrases is filled with excitement and even amazement. Matthew has to leave his profession to follow Jesus and now he will leave his country with the knowledge that God is with him, providing power and provision.

Third, notice the assignment, which was given to Matthew as well as the others who were with him. When Matthew heard these words “make disciples”, he must have remembered Jesus saying “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” As well as “And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be my disciple.” You see this assignment wasn’t (and isn’t) one that could be carried out by just words, but it must be demonstrated in life. We must do it the way Jesus did it. He came to us. We “go and live our lives among the nations” and tell the story of Jesus and His love.

By the way, it is believed that Matthew went to Ethiopia where he died by a sword as a martyr, sharing the gospel.

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