In today’s world, many people are searching for meaning and purpose in their lives. As Christians, we have a unique opportunity to discover our divine purpose by embracing Jesus’ teachings and the mission he has given us. Today, let’s explore the essential aspects of our purpose as followers of Christ, as outlined in the Sermon Notes, by delving into the scripture of Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) and understanding the role of Jesus’ authority and the Great Commission in our lives.
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” -Matthew 28:18-20
I. Recognizing the Authority of Jesus:
Matthew 28:18 (ESV) highlights Jesus’ authority, stating, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” As believers, we must recognize and submit to Jesus’ authority, understanding that our lives serve a higher purpose. By acknowledging his authority, we allow him to guide our actions and decisions, leading us on the path to discovering our divine purpose. Various verses emphasize the importance of Jesus’ authority, such as Matthew 10:1, Luke 10:19, and Ephesians 1:19-21 (ESV).
II. Understanding the Great Commission:
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV) presents the Great Commission, commanding us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This scripture highlights the central calling of all Christians – to spread the faith and make disciples. Our divine purpose cannot be realized outside the context of fulfilling the Great Commission.
III. Embracing the Process of Discipleship:
To fulfill the Great Commission, we must first grasp the concept of discipleship. Discipleship is a process that involves building relationships, teaching, and nurturing spiritual growth in others. The church is a school, and our Christian life is all about learning and doing. Jesus specifically emphasized teaching others to observe (do) everything he has commanded.
Through baptism, we initiate new believers into the family of God. By showing them how to follow Jesus’ teachings, we provide the tools they need to live a Christ-centered life. As we participate in this process, we become more like Jesus, helping us find and embrace our divine purpose.
IV. Accepting the Global Mandate:
The command to make disciples of all nations, as seen in Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15, and Luke 24:46-48, underscores the global scope of our calling. This mandate is activated in Acts 1:8 (ESV), which states, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Our purpose is not limited to our local communities or familiar environments. We are called to cross cultural, linguistic, and geographical boundaries to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all people. By accepting this global mandate, we reaffirm our commitment to the Great Commission and align our lives with the divine purpose Jesus has given us.
V. Trusting in Jesus’ Promise of His Presence:
In Matthew 28:20 (ESV), Jesus concludes with a comforting promise: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” As we embark on our journey to fulfill the Great Commission, we are not alone. Jesus assures us that he will be with us every step of the way, providing us with the strength, direction, and support we need to fulfill our divine purpose. Knowing that Jesus is always by our side can give us the courage and motivation to carry out the tasks he has assigned us. he will be with us every step of the way, providing us with the strength, direction, and support we need to fulfill our divine purpose. Knowing that Jesus is always by our side can give us the courage and motivation to carry out the tasks he has assigned us.
Reflecting on the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20, let us be reminded that our purpose is found in expressing His authority on earth and fulfilling the Great Commission. Let us commit ourselves to making disciples, embracing the global mandate, and trusting in Jesus’ promise to be with us always. As we do so, we will discover and live out our divine purpose in Christ, bringing glory to God and impacting the world for His kingdom.
Next Steps:
- Take a moment today to meditate on the verses mentioned in this blog post, allowing the words of Jesus to inspire and guide you in your journey to discover your divine purpose.
- Consider joining a small group or Bible study to deepen your understanding of God’s word and learn how to apply it in your daily life.
- Pray for opportunities to share the gospel with others and the courage to embrace the global mandate given to us by Jesus.
- Remember that Jesus promises to be with us always, providing us with the strength, direction, and support we need to fulfill our divine purpose. Trust in His presence and guidance as you embark on your journey.