Do not Forget That You Are My Disciples

FROM: MAY 14 @ 20, 2019

TOPIC:"Do not Forget That You Are My Disciples" (Retreat) Matthew 28:16-20 Our dear disciples, much loved by the Lord, went to Galilee to the mountain where Jesus had commanded them (Vs. 16). It was a long way on foot, but they wanted to see Jesus one more time. They witnessed what had happened, the greatest event in the history of mankind, they had seen Jesus die and rise again, conquering salvation and eternal life for believers.

I. (Matthew 28:10) He had commanded them to go ("...to go to Galilee; there they will see me").

A. Jesus could be everywhere but it was in Galilee where He would see them.

1. The disciples had learned to obey the commands of Christ.

2. His faithful disciples were not capable of objecting His command.

3. If you say that you are a disciple and want to maintain communion with Jesus, you should go and serve Him wherever He has indicated!

4. The place was a mountain in Galilee, a place where they would have more privacy.

5. There they met away from the bustle and perhaps to indicate or show them the state of exaltation which He had entered after His resurrection.

6. That encounter would not be in public but in an intimate meeting; Jesus wanted to be alone with them.

7. (Vs. 17) There they worshiped Him; they gave Him divine honors!

8. Do you know that when we see Jesus with the eyes of faith, we are "obligated" to worship Him?

9. However, "...some doubted."

10. Even among those who worship, there may be those who doubt.

11. But, weakness and hesitation (lack of firmness) do not mean that the faith is not sincere.

12. They were perplexed!

13. (Vs. 18) Jesus approached them and spoke to them.

14. He did not stay at a distance, but rather approached them and gave them proof so convincing of His resurrection that it dissipated all perplexity whereas their faith triumphed over their doubts.

15. What did Jesus say? He spoke to them familiarly, as a friend speaks with other friends. And in this conversation, HE GAVE THEM THE GREAT COMMISSION sending them all over the world as His ambassadors (like diplomats who represent a kingdom elsewhere) (2 Corinthians 5:20).

16. (Vs. 18) "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."

a. Jesus lets us see here His universal dominion as Mediator!

b. Where does such authority come from? It has been given to Him by the One who is the Source of all living beings, and therefore, from whom has all authority, the Father!

c. Where does He have that authority? In heaven and upon the earth, that is, everything comprehended (included) in the universe.

d. Jesus! He is the Lord of everything!

e. He has authority in Heaven: that is, He has dominion over the angels and over every celestial creature and in the air. In Heaven He also intercedes with the Father, interceding not as a supplicant, but as a petitioner: "Father...I want..." (John 17:24).

f. He has power on earth: He prevails over men and treats them as having authority.

g. Jesus tells them this to take away from their mind the scandal of the cross, that they know that there is no reason to be ashamed of the Christ crucified, when He is now seen GLORIFIED!

17. The commission He gives to those He sends: "Therefore, go...!"

a. First it is to His disciples.

b. Let us also be capable of taking Jesus from one generation to another, until His Coming!

c. Go and do not fear, have I not sent you?

18. He said to His disciples: Make disciples in all my house. (He also tells you!).

19. By bringing to this world the spiritual blessings of the Kingdom, the Lord wants everyone to be His subjects (blessed by Him and subject to His authority). Like establishing a school, He wants everyone to be His students; by raising an army, He wants everyone to be His soldiers. Amen.

20. This GREAT COMMISSION is part of the very guts (of the heart) of the Church (Vs. 19).

21. To make disciples admitting them to baptism; because baptism is the door to the local Church, in the name of the Father and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (With only the authority received from heaven someone can be publicly proclaimed a citizen of Heaven.)

22. (Vs. 20) He sends them giving them the great commission to announce the gospel with a promise: "... surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

a. A more extensive presence (John 16:7). Because it will no longer be limited to only one place, but will cover the whole earth, for His Spirit will dwell within each one of the believers.

b. He is with us to carry us through problems and difficulties; to bear many fruits (John 15:16) in intimate communion with Him.

c. "...every day..." Every day without failing; on Sunday and during the rest of the week; in days of prosperity and in days of adversity.

d. The God of Israel, who is our God, is a God who conceals Himself (who hides) (Isaiah 45:15), but He does not absent Himself (Psalm 46:11); sometimes He is in the dark, but is never at a distance.

23. We will fulfill the great commission and His divine presence will last until the end of the world!

24. Jesus left them not with anger but with love; this love implies that we should maintain communion with Him. As if He had said to them:" I leave you, but I stay."

25. Do not forget that you are My disciples! Do not forget that you are also His disciples! Amen.