Matthew 28:18–20
Sermon on the Great Commission: Go Ye Therefore
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
— Matthew 28:19 (KJV)
Big Idea
The risen Christ's last word to His disciples is the church's first task: under His authority, go everywhere, make disciples, baptize them, teach them everything — and He goes with us.
Context
Matthew ends with the eleven on a mountain in Galilee. Some worshipped, but some doubted. To these mixed disciples Jesus issues the marching orders that have launched every missionary movement since.
Expository Outline (verse-by-verse)
1. The Authority Behind the Mission (v. 18)
- •'All power… in heaven and in earth' — the cosmic claim of Christ.
- •Mission rests on His authority, not our ability.
- •Every closed door is open to Him.
2. The Mission Itself (v. 19–20a)
- •One main verb: 'make disciples.' Going, baptizing, teaching are how.
- •All nations — no people group excluded.
- •Baptize and teach — initiation into the church and lifelong instruction.
3. The Presence That Sustains the Mission (v. 20b)
- •'Lo, I am with you alway' — present-tense, always.
- •'Even unto the end of the world' — until the mission is complete.
- •The Great Commission comes with the great companion.
Topical Outline (one big idea)
1. What 'Go' Means for an Ordinary Church Member
- •Some are sent across oceans; all are sent across the street.
- •Going is a posture before it is a passport.
- •Your workplace, neighborhood, and family are mission fields.
2. What 'Make Disciples' Looks Like
- •Not just converts — followers.
- •Baptism and obedience are both essential.
- •Teaching them to obey, not just teaching them information.
Cross-references
- Acts 1:8 — Ye shall be witnesses unto me — Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, uttermost.
- Romans 10:13-15 — How shall they hear without a preacher?
- Mark 16:15 — Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel.
- Revelation 7:9 — Every nation, kindred, people, tongue before the throne.
Illustrations
- "William Carey's 'expect great things from God; attempt great things for God' launched the modern missions movement on this commission."
- "John Stott called the Great Commission 'the comprehensive marching orders of the church.' Anything less is dereliction of duty."
- "Hudson Taylor: 'The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.'"
Application questions
- Whose name is on your prayer list as someone you are actively making a disciple of?
- What 'nation' (people group, neighborhood, family) is the Lord laying on your heart?
- Where do you need to remember 'I am with you alway' this week?
Closing prayer
Risen Lord Jesus, all authority is Yours. Send us out under Your authority and with Your presence. Make us a disciple-making people — across the street and around the world. To the end of the age, until You return. Amen.