Matthew 28:18-20, known as the Great Commission, is a crucial part of the Christian faith, guiding believers from mere followers to dedicated disciples of Christ. In these verses, Jesus gives His final instructions to His disciples, stressing the importance of making disciples of all nations. This passage captures the essence of the Christian mission, highlighting the active role believers play in spreading the gospel and nurturing new followers in their faith journey. Jesus' universal authority in verse 18 sets the foundation for this mission, assuring believers that their efforts are supported by divine power and mandate and underscoring the grandeur and significance of the Great Commission.
The Great Commission not only emphasizes the comprehensive nature of discipleship but also the transformative power it holds. Jesus instructs His followers to teach new disciples to obey everything He has commanded, promoting a holistic approach to faith that extends beyond intellectual agreement. It involves an extreme transformation of character, behavior, and priorities to align with the teachings of Jesus. This directive challenges believers to deepen their understanding of scripture and live out their faith in practical ways, fostering a community that embodies the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven. For Wesleyan/Methodist Christians, this closely aligns with the emphasis on personal and social holiness, urging believers to grow in grace and love.
Also, the promise of Jesus' continual presence 'to the very end of the age' offers profound encouragement and assurance to those beginning their discipleship journey. This promise not only reinforces believers' confidence in fulfilling their mission but also underscores the relational aspect of Christianity. Jesus’ lasting presence assures disciples that they are never alone in their journey; they continually receive support and guidance from their Savior, bringing a sense of reassurance and comfort. This assurance is fundamental for Wesleyan/Methodist theology, which highlights the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer, empowering them to pursue holiness and participate in God’s redemptive mission in the world.
The Gospel of Matthew, the first book in the New Testament, is traditionally thought to have been written by Matthew, also known as Levi, one of Jesus' twelve apostles. Before becoming a follower of Jesus (Matthew 9:9), Matthew worked as a tax collector. The name "Matthew" comes from the Hebrew name "Mattityahu," which means "gift of Yahweh," underscoring his role in spreading Jesus' teachings to a broader audience.
Although the gospel itself doesn't specify the author, early church tradition credits it to Matthew. Papias of Hierapolis, an early church father writing around 120-140 AD, is among the first to link the gospel with Matthew, suggesting that he collected Jesus' teachings in Hebrew or Aramaic. However, most scholars think that the gospel was initially written in Greek, based on its linguistic style and its use of the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures.) (VanderKam)
The Gospel of Matthew is typically believed to have been written between 80-90 AD. This timeframe is attributed to its theological content, which indicates a shift following the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 AD. The text suggests a growing divide between Jewish Christians and the broader Jewish community, possibly within a Jewish-Christian environment. One is Antioch, a significant early Christian hub where matters concerning Jewish law and the inclusion of Gentiles were prominent. (Harrington)
In the Gospel of Matthew, the primary goal is to portray Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy and to establish his identity as the Messiah and King. Some key themes include:
The Gospel of Matthew is structured around five major discourses, each marked by a concluding statement ("When Jesus had finished saying these things"). This structure suggests an intentional parallel to the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. The overall structure is:
The Gospel of Matthew is of great significance both theologically and ecclesiastically. It bridges the Old and New Testaments, depicting Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah who fulfills the Jewish Law and Prophets. Its detailed teachings on ethics, community life, and eschatology provide a solid foundation for Christian living and the organization of the church. Moreover, Matthew's emphasis on Jesus' authority and divine mission underscores his pivotal role in the history of salvation. (Hagner)
Verse 18: "Then Jesus came to
them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to
me.'" This verse emphasizes the all-encompassing authority of
Jesus. The phrase "all authority in heaven and on earth" shows that
his dominion is universal, echoing Daniel 7:14, where the Son of Man is granted
authority and an eternal kingdom. This declaration forms the basis for the
subsequent Great Commission, highlighting that Jesus' directives are supported
by divine sovereignty. The authority bestowed upon Jesus signifies his
exaltation and the fulfillment of his role as the Messiah who reigns over all
creation. (France)
Verse 19: "Therefore go and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit," The command "go" expresses an active and
purposeful mission. "Make disciples of all nations" broadens the
reach of the gospel from the Jewish community to the entire world, embodying
the inclusivity of the new covenant. (Blomberg) Baptism "in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" emphasizes the
Trinitarian aspect of Christian faith. This specific wording, found only in
Matthew, emphasizes the unity and equal status of the Godhead in the redemptive
mission. (Hagner)
Verse 20: "and teaching them to
obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the
very end of the age." The command to teach "everything I have commanded
you" implies a holistic discipleship that involves following Jesus'
teachings and commands, embodying the ethical and moral aspects of the kingdom
of God (Morris). The assurance "I am with you always" guarantees
Jesus' continual presence, fulfilling the promise of Emmanuel ("God with
us") given at his birth (Matthew 1:23). "To the very end of the
age" indicates that this assurance lasts until the ultimate fulfillment,
ensuring that Jesus' presence and support are with the disciples throughout
their mission. (Turner)
The Gospel of Matthew emphasizes discipleship, the Kingdom
of Heaven, and ethical living, which closely aligns with the principles of
Wesleyan/Methodist theology. This theological tradition, based on John Wesley's
teachings, highlights holiness, grace, and the transformative influence of the
Holy Spirit in believers' lives.
Emphasis on Holiness and Ethical
Living Wesleyan theology emphasizes personal and social holiness,
a theme seen throughout the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus' Sermon on the Mount
(Matthew 5-7) is a foundation for ethical teaching, challenging believers to
embrace a higher standard of righteousness beyond mere legalistic obedience.
This resonates with Wesleyan thought, which encourages a heart transformed by
grace, leading to a life of holiness and love (Collins). Wesley himself
stressed that genuine holiness is characterized by love for God and neighbor, a
principle mirrored in Jesus' summary of the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew
22:37-40).
The Kingdom of Heaven The Kingdom of Heaven holds a central position in both
Matthew and Wesleyan theology. In Matthew, Jesus often expounds on the concept
of the Kingdom of Heaven, portraying it through parables and elucidating its
current and future aspects (Matthew 13). From a Wesleyan perspective, the
Kingdom is understood as the reign of God within the hearts of believers,
revealed through a life devoted to holiness and social justice (Outler). This
interpretation aligns with John Wesley's vision of propagating scriptural holiness
throughout the land, transforming both individuals and society.
Grace and Discipleship The book of Matthew
emphasizes the importance of grace in the journey of becoming a disciple. The
directive to spread the teachings of Jesus to all nations, as stated in Matthew
28:19-20, aligns with the enthusiastic evangelism and dedication to sharing the
gospel found in Wesleyan theology. This call to action, known as the Great
Commission, is an expansion of God's prevenient grace, which prepares and
empowers people to answer His call (Maddox). According to Wesleyans, believers
are strengthened by God's grace to embody Jesus' teachings, advancing in
holiness and love.
Social Justice and Compassion Wesleyan theology is recognized for its focus on social
justice and compassion, echoing Jesus' teachings in Matthew. The story of the
sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46) highlights the significance of tending
to the "least of these," a principle that Wesleyans uphold through
acts of kindness and social change (Heitzenrater). Wesley himself was actively
engaged in addressing the social challenges of his era, including poverty and
slavery, drawing inspiration from the gospel's directive to love and assist
others.
Sacramental Theology Although Wesleyan theology is not as focused on sacraments
as some other traditions, it does recognize the significance of baptism and
communion as forms of grace. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus instructs his disciples to
baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, underscoring the
importance of this ritual in the church's life. Wesleyans consider baptism as a
welcoming into the community of faith and a symbol of God's prevenient grace at
work in an individual's life. (Baker)
Verse 18: "Then Jesus came to
them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to
me.'"
From a Wesleyan/Methodist perspective, Jesus' assertion of
authority underscores his divine sovereignty and the holistic nature of his
mission. Wesleyan theology places a significant emphasis on the kingship of
Christ and his authority over all creation. John Wesley saw Jesus' authority as
foundational for the Church's mission and for the believer's life of holiness
and service (Collins). This authority assures believers that their efforts in
ministry are supported by divine power, aligning with the Wesleyan
understanding of God's active involvement in the world (Outler, Sermons).
Verse 19: "Therefore go and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit,"
The command to "go" and "make
disciples" deeply resonates with Wesleyan theology, particularly its
emphasis on evangelism and discipleship. John Wesley actively spread the gospel
beyond the church, much like the call to go to "all nations"
(Heitzenrater). The directive to baptize in the Trinitarian formula signifies
the communal and covenantal aspects of faith, integral to Wesleyan sacramental
theology. Wesley viewed baptism as a means of grace, an outward sign of an
inward grace that initiates believers into the covenant community (Maddox).
Verse 20: "and teaching them to
obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the
very end of the age."
Teaching obedience to Jesus' commands is central to
Wesleyan theology, which emphasizes sanctification and ethical living. In
Wesleyan discipleship, there is a continuous focus on growing in holiness
through God's grace. This aligns with Jesus' instruction to fully obey his
commands, covering both personal devotion and social righteousness (Collins).
Jesus' pledge of continual presence "to the very end of the age"
gives believers assurance and encouragement, mirroring Wesley’s belief in God’s
enduring presence by the Holy Spirit. This pledge reinforces the Methodist
emphasis on practical divinity, where believers encounter God's presence in
their everyday lives and ministries (Outler, John Wesley).
