Opening Monologue
The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus gives His final instructions to His disciples after His resurrection and before His ascension into heaven. The passage reads:
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
This commission underlines the mission of the church: to expand the reach of the Gospel, making disciples worldwide. It emphasizes three key tasks: going, baptizing, and teaching. Jesus’ authority is the foundation for this mission, and His promise of everlasting presence provides encouragement and support as believers endeavor to fulfill this call.
Regarding baptism, Jesus included it as part of the Great Commission, marking it as an essential aspect of disciple-making. Baptism is a significant act of obedience and public declaration of faith. It symbolizes a believer’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, as mentioned in Romans 6:3-4.
“don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. “
Through baptism, we affirm our new life in Christ, becoming part of the community of believers. It serves as an outward expression of an inward change, a testimony of faith and commitment to following Jesus.
In following this command, believers are encouraged by the promise that Christ will be with them, offering His presence and guidance as they spread His message and live out their faith.
Make no mistake about it, life is not easy…but when we have Jesus in our corner fighting with us, he gives us the strength and wisdom to overcome. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! (Have courage!) I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Blessings in Christ,
Rev. Brad Standfest
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Key Sermon Text
Genesis 3:1-19
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%203%3A1-19&version=NIV
John 3:16-17
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203%3A16-17%20&version=NIV
Romans 10:11
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2010%3A11&version=NIV
What is baptism:
Baptism is a significant ordinance in the Christian faith, symbolizing a believer’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It represents a public declaration of faith, a cleansing from sin, and a commitment to follow Christ. This sacred act is rich in meaning and purpose, embracing both spiritual and communal dimensions.
Biblical Foundation of Baptism
The command to baptize is rooted in the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus instructs His disciples: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.”
Symbolism and Spiritual Significance
1.Identification with Christ: Baptism symbolizes a believer’s unity with Christ in His death and resurrection. Romans 6:3-4 explains this profound symbolism: “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
2.Cleansing from Sin: In Acts 22:16, baptism is associated with the washing away of sins: “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” While the act itself does not cleanse sin, it symbolizes the purification that comes from accepting Jesus as Savior.
3.New Birth: Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about being “born of water and the Spirit” in John 3:5, highlighting the transformative aspect of entering into the Kingdom of God through faith and the work of the Holy Spirit.
4.Obedience to Christ’s Command: Baptism demonstrates a believer’s obedience to Jesus’ command, serving as an outward expression of an inward commitment to Him.
Modes and Practices
Christian traditions vary in their practice of baptism, but it commonly involves immersion, pouring, or sprinkling of water. Immersion is often seen as symbolically significant, as it more fully represents the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Each denomination offers theological reasoning for its method, grounded in scriptural interpretations and historical practices.
Communal and Personal Aspects
1.Public Declaration: Baptism is a public testimony of one’s faith in Jesus. It signifies entrance into the community of believers, the Church, and serves as a witness to others of the transformative power of the Gospel.
2.Pledge of a Good Conscience: 1 Peter 3:21 remarks on baptism not as a mere physical act: “and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
3. Inclusion in the Body of Christ: In 1 Corinthians 12:13, Paul speaks about how all believers, through baptism, are unified in one body: “For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”
Baptism is a deeply significant act of obedience and faith in the life of a believer. It is a multi-faceted symbol rich with theological meaning, embodying the believer’s identification with Christ, the cleansing from sin, and the commitment to a new life in Him. While methods may vary, the core of baptism remains a celebration of God’s grace and a public commitment to follow Christ within the fellowship of believers. As such, baptism remains a profound expression of faith and a pivotal moment in the spiritual journey of Christians across traditions.
The Great Commission Go & Be Baptized
JESUS GIVES THE GREAT COMMISSION / 28:16–20
28:16–17 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Jesus made several appearances to various people after his resurrection (see the chart “Jesus’ Appearances after His Resurrection” on page 577). “The eleven” refers to the remaining disciples after the death of Judas Iscariot. Although he first appeared to the disciples in Jerusalem, at his first appearance, Thomas had been absent. He doubted the story of the rest of the disciples, until Jesus appeared to him as well (John 20:24–31). They did go to Galilee, as Jesus had previously directed them (26:32; 28:10). At some point they returned to Jerusalem where Jesus ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:9). “The mountain” referred to here in Galilee is unknown; however, mountains figured prominently in Matthew, for they are found sixteen times in connection with divine revelation (at the Temptation, Sermon on the Mount, Transfiguration, etc.).
In an effort to exclude the eleven disciples from having “doubted” Jesus, some scholars have suggested that they who saw him refers to more than just the eleven disciples—perhaps the “five hundred brothers” mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:6 NRSV. But the text doesn’t allow for this; among the eleven who saw Jesus there were some who doubted—which means, they had hesitations about believing in Jesus’ resurrection. Apparently on their walk from Jerusalem to Galilee, lengthy discussions were held. Matthew may have been reporting some of the doubts and concerns still lingering in the minds of the eleven chosen disciples. Of course, they would all eventually be fully convinced and believe.
DOUBT
Matthew’s honesty is remarkable. Some of the disciples struggled with doubt.
No Christian grows in faith without some doubt. The five-year-olds who took in every Bible story will become the fifteen-year-olds who want to know how, what, why, when, and where. And they will grow, too, and press for deeper answers along the way.
When you doubt, don’t be discouraged. It’s not a sin nor a failure. It’s a normal part of spiritual growth. Keep talking with thoughtful Christian friends and teachers, keep studying and praying, keep serving the Lord, and keep asking questions and looking for answers. God gave you a mind to discover his truth. Don’t let anyone tell you that discovery is wrong.
28:18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” When someone is dying or leaving us, we pay close attention to his or her last words. Jesus left the disciples with these last words of instruction:
• They were under his authority.
• They were to make more disciples.
• They were to baptize and teach these new disciples to obey Christ.
• They would have Christ with them always.
JESUS’ APPEARANCES AFTER HIS RESURRECTION
- Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9–11; John 20:10–18)
- The other women at the tomb (Matthew 28:8–10)
- Peter in Jerusalem (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5)
- The two travelers on the road (Mark 16:12–13; Luke 24:13–35)
- Ten disciples behind closed doors (Luke 24:36–43; John 20:19–25)
- All eleven disciples (including Thomas) (Mark 16:14; John 20:26–31; 1 Corinthians 15:5)
- Seven disciples while fishing on the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1–14)
- Eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16–20; Mark 16:15–18)
- A crowd of 500 (1 Corinthians 15:6)
- Jesus’ brother James (1 Corinthians 15:7)
- Those who watched Jesus ascend to heaven (Mark 16:19–20; Luke 24:50–53; Acts 1:3–9)
God gave Jesus authority over heaven and earth, a sweeping concept that implies divine status. He has “all authority”—that is, nothing is outside of his sovereign control. The major message here and in 28:20 is that Jesus, the one raised from the dead, has the authority of God himself. During Satan’s temptation of Jesus, Satan had offered “all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor” (4:8 NRSV). Jesus resisted the tempter, obeyed God to the point of horrible death, and was raised again in victory to receive all authority over heaven and earth—something Satan could never have given because it was never his in the first place.
28:19–20 “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. On the basis of his authority, Jesus told his disciples to go and make disciples as they preached, baptized, and taught. “Making disciples” means instructing new believers on how to follow Jesus, to submit to Jesus’ lordship, and to take up his mission of compassionate service. To be a disciple means entering a relationship of learner to Master (Teacher) with Jesus. The church must not merely evangelize, but it also must show new converts how to obey Jesus’ commands. Discipleship must be stressed without neglecting evangelism. “Baptism” is important because it unites a believer with Jesus Christ in his or her death to sin and resurrection to new life. Baptism symbolizes submission to Christ, a willingness to live God’s way, and identification with God’s covenant people. To baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit affirms the reality of the Trinity, the concept coming directly from Jesus himself. He did not say baptize them into the “names,” but into the “name” of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While the word “Trinity” does not occur in Scripture, it well describes the three-in-one existence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (See also Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 12:4–6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:4–6; 2 Thessalonians 2:13.)
Whereas in previous missions Jesus had sent his disciples only to the Jews (10:5–6), their mission from here forward would be to go to all the nations. This is called the Great Commission. The disciples had been trained well, and they had seen the risen Lord. They were ready to teach people all over the world to observe all things that Jesus had commanded them. This also showed the disciples that there would be a lapse of time between Jesus’ resurrection and his second coming. During that time, Jesus’ followers had jobs to do—evangelize, baptize, and teach people about Jesus so that they, in turn, could do the same. The good news of the gospel was to go forth to all the nations.
With this same authority, Jesus still commands us to tell others the Good News and make them disciples for the kingdom. We are to go—whether it is next door or to another country—and make disciples. It is not an option, but a command to all who call Jesus “Lord.” We are not all evangelists in the formal sense, but we have all received gifts that we can use to help fulfill the Great Commission. As we obey, we have comfort in the knowledge that Jesus is always with us. “Always” literally means “all the days” and refers to the presence of Christ with each believer every moment. This would occur through the Holy Spirit’s presence in believers’ lives. The Holy Spirit would be Jesus’ presence that would never leave them (John 14:26; Acts 1:4–5). Jesus continues to be with us today through his Spirit. As this Gospel began, so it ends—Immanuel, “God with us” (1:23).
The Old Testament prophecies and genealogies in the book of Matthew present Jesus’ credentials for being King of the world—not a military or political leader, as the disciples had originally hoped, but a spiritual King who can overcome all evil and rule in the heart of every person. If we refuse to serve the King faithfully, we are disloyal subjects. We must make Jesus King of our lives and worship him as our Savior, King, and Lord.
Barton, Bruce B. 1996. Matthew. Life Application Bible Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
Resources: Rev. Brad Standfest, Logos Bible Programs & Commentary, Barton, Bruce B. 1996. Matthew. Life Application Bible Commentary
Sermon Notes:
Read Genesis 3:1-19
We all have taken the bite of the Forbidden Fruit
There is not a person in this Room nor in this world who is Innocent
The Devil was right about one thing… We all know what Good & Evil is
No one told you to Lie… You just thought it was the best Option- so you did it…
No one told you to Curse God’s Name… But you overheard it said… So, it just slips out…
Sin is an Insidious Disease that plagued us all in the Garden…
Think about this… Adam & Eve sons named Cain and Abel didn’t get a long…
Sibling Rivalry… Maybe you can understand this… Cain hated his brother Abel so much he Killed him…– Problem solved
Cain thought No one would notice… But guess who saw everything…– God!!
Sin is Sin in God’s eyes, and we all have Fallen Short
Because of Sin’s Plague God said this: “For dust you are and to dust you will return.” (Genesis 3:19)
I don’t know about you, but I don’t know anyone who has Escaped death… (Outside of the Bible)
If you have figured out how not to Die and haven’t told anyone… You’re the Biggest Sinner of all…
The Reality is… One Day Death is going to sting you & I… then What?
Scripture says: “For the wages of sin is death… but the gift of God is Eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
Jesus puts it this way: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but shall have everlasting life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17)
Let me ask you these 3 Questions before we get into our Baptisms:
1. Have you put your Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ?
2. Have you asked him into your life?
3. Have you asked him to forgive you from your sins?
Scripture says: “Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” (Romans 10:11)
Devotional Questions
1. When should a person be baptized?
Question: What signs or commitments in a person’s spiritual journey should lead them to baptism?
Scripture to Explore: Acts 2:38-41 - Examine the response of those who heard Peter’s message and followed through with baptism.
2. What does baptism represent in a believer’s life?
Question: How does baptism symbolize the spiritual realities of death and resurrection with Christ?
Scripture to Explore: Romans 6:3-4 - Reflect on the symbolism of being united with Christ in His death and resurrection through baptism.
3. Why is baptism important in the Christian faith?
Question: What role does baptism play in obedience to Christ’s commands?
Scripture to Explore: Matthew 28:18-20 - Consider Jesus’ instructions in the Great Commission concerning baptism.
4. How does baptism relate to repentance and forgiveness?
Question: In what ways does baptism serve as a symbol of repentance and the washing away of sins?
Scripture to Explore: Acts 22:16 - Analyze how baptism is connected to calling on the name of the Lord and receiving forgiveness.
5. What is the significance of being baptized “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit”?
Question: How does this Trinitarian formula deepen our understanding of baptism’s meaning?
Scripture to Explore: Matthew 28:19 - Explore the theological richness of being baptized in the triune God’s name.
6. Why is baptism a public declaration of faith?
Question: How does making a public profession of faith through baptism impact a believer’s personal and communal life?
Scripture to Explore: 1 Peter 3:21 - Ponder how baptism is an appeal to God for a good conscience and a testimony to others.
7. How does baptism unify believers as one body in Christ?
Question: What does being baptized into one body mean for our relationships within the Church?
Scripture to Explore: 1 Corinthians 12:13 - Reflect on how baptism incorporates believers into the body of Christ, transcending cultural and social distinctions.