The Great Commission (Matthew Balentine)

Ninth Avenue

In this sermon, Matthew Balentine focuses on the Great Commission as outlined in Matthew 28:18-20, emphasizing the call to discipleship and the transformative journey it entails. He begins by highlighting Jesus' declaration of His authority over heaven and earth, which sets the stage for the command He gives to His followers. This authority is not wielded to demand subservience but to invite us into a relationship with Him--one that is based on desire rather than obligation.
He then unpacks the command to "go and make disciples of all nations," clarifying that the essence of this directive is not merely about recruitment but about embodying discipleship in our own lives. The act of going is not a passive experience but an active, ongoing process that happens as we live our daily lives. It's about living out our faith in every context, not just within the walls of the church.
Matthew stresses that being a disciple is not a higher tier of Christianity but the very essence of what it means to follow Christ. It involves a commitment to grow in our understanding of Jesus and to allow that growth to shape our actions. As we live out our discipleship, we naturally draw others to Christ, not through a sales pitch but through the authenticity of our transformed lives.
He also addresses the concept of baptism, which is often a point of contention among Christians. He clarifies that baptism is not the end goal but the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith. It is both a pledge of a clear conscience towards God and an act of obedience that aligns us with Jesus' death and resurrection. Baptism is about Jesus, not about church affiliation.
Furthermore, Matthew highlights the importance of teaching as a component of discipleship. It's not enough to baptize; we must also nurture and educate new believers in the ways of Christ. This is a collective responsibility, not just that of church leaders. He shares his appreciation for programs that teach our young people to become teachers themselves, emphasizing the value of learning and growing at every stage of life.
Lastly, he offers comfort in the promise that Jesus is with us always. This assurance is not just for moments of ease but especially when we face challenges and growth opportunities. We are never alone in our mission; God is our constant companion.
Key Takeaways:
- Discipleship is an active, ongoing journey that doesn't end with baptism but begins there. It's a process of growing in knowledge and maturity in Christ and allowing that growth to influence our actions and interactions with others. As we live out our discipleship authentically, we naturally draw others to Christ.
- Baptism is not merely a ritual or a church tradition; it is a profound act of unity with Christ. It signifies a pledge of a clear conscience towards God and aligns us with the transformative power of Jesus' resurrection. Our baptism is about our relationship with Jesus, not our church denomination.
- Teaching is an integral part of the Great Commission. It's not just about imparting knowledge but about equipping others to continue the cycle of discipleship. We must invest in teaching others, including our children, to ensure the faith is lived and shared across generations.
- Change, though often uncomfortable, is essential for church growth and fulfilling the Great Commission. Embracing change allows us to reach a diverse array of people and to be a church home for all nations, reflecting the inclusive heart of the gospel.
- The presence of Jesus is a constant in our lives, offering comfort and strength in our mission. His promise to be with us always should embolden us to take on the challenges of discipleship, knowing we are never alone in our endeavors for the Kingdom.

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The song "The Ode to Joy" is used pursuant to a license issued by Envato Elements.