Date: 22-02-26
Preacher: Bro Isaac Sun
Title: The Great Commission …To continue the work of Jesus

The Great Commission …To continue the work of Jesus

I feel Bro Isaac delivered a most comprehensive message on the annual church theme leaving in me a burden which says ‘so what more excuse do you have?’

This morning’s biblical reference is taken from Matt 28:18-20 and I will set out my commentary according to the structure of his delivery. He began by establishing that the Great Commandment is not a suggestion from Jesus but something entrusted to all believers, a commandment, in other words.

1. Foundation of the Great Commission: Matt 28:16-20.
Bro Isaac pointed the congregation to Verse 17 ‘but some doubted’. These were the same 11 disciples who had witnessed all his miracles but yet some of them still doubted. Bro Isaac pointed out that it was not a weakness of just some of Jesus’ disciples but of mankind. Thus, despite our weaknesses, which God fully acknowledges and understands, we are still required to fulfil the Great Commission. 

1.1 Absolute authority of Jesus
The Great Commission is based on the authority of Jesus, not His disciples nor on what we can or cannot do.

1.1a Source of authority: God given
This authority was not self-proclaimed but bestowed by God.

1.1b Sphere of authority: in heaven & on earth
This is an all-encompassing sphere, showing that Jesus is the Lord of the universe, possessing absolute sovereignty, without exception.

1.1c Foundation of the Great Commission: Source of faith 
Spreading the gospel is not based on our own abilities but on the name of the Lord who has the highest authority and this gives us unparalleled faith.

1.2 Core command and content 

1.2a Go
It’s a simple command which does not suggest ‘go far’ and but simply mean ‘go into our families and communities’. It does suggest to ‘proactively go’. Here, Bro Isaac made a pertinent statement that some of us build relationships with non-believers for a long time but never get round to sharing the gospel.

1.2b Make disciples of all Nations 
The core objective is to guide people to be like Jesus throughout their lives and be true followers.

1.2c Baptise in the name
This is a public declaration of the disciple identity signifying being united into the body of Christ.

1.2d Teach to obey
This is the key to spiritual growth. It is to teach new believers to understand and obey all the Lord’s commands and be rooted in the truth.

1.3 Promise of His presence

1.3a Unceasing 
‘I am with you’ signifies a proactive continual commitment, not a short-lived relationship.

1.3b way of His presence - indwelling  of the Holy Spirit
Jesus’ presence is through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit within us, giving us strength, wisdom, comfort and guiding us forward.

1.3c Duration of His presence - to the end of age
This is an eternal promise; no matter how difficult the circumstances, the presence of Jesus changes not, until the day of His return.

2. The Great Commission from the perspective of the Holy Communion
Bro Isaac then established the link between the Holy Communion and the Great Commission. He said it is to transform our remembrance of Jesus, His death and resurrection to a missional action. It is also advancing Jesus’ second coming as we participate actively in the Great Commission. (Matt 24:15)

3. Ways to share the gospel: in 4 steps 

3.1 The starting point of the gospel 
This acknowledges that all men have sinned as this is the fundamental cause of our separation from God

3.2 The end result of sin
The wages of sin is death, not only death of the body, but more so the death of our soul - the eternal separation from God

3.3 God’s provision 
God loves us and He has prepared salvation for us. His love surpasses our sin.

3.4 The only hope
Jesus Christ is the only Savior. His death and resurrection give eternal life to those who believe.

Bro Isaac asked the congregation how much do we love a person. He said we should love a person’s soul as a true measure. 

For me what is most poignant in his message is that Jesus never picked talented men to be his disciples in those days when He was on earth but ordinary folks like you and me. To me that point is stark and the core of the Great Commission. What more is there to say?