How does Isaiah 66:18 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19? Setting the Stage: God’s Heart for the Nations Isaiah 66:18: “And I, knowing their deeds and thoughts, am coming to gather all nations and tongues; and they will come and see My glory.” Matthew 28:19: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Isaiah 66:18 — The Prophetic Preview • God Himself is the One “coming to gather” • The scope is “all nations and tongues”—no ethnic or linguistic barrier • The aim: that they “see My glory,” a revelation of God’s character and salvation (cf. Habakkuk 2:14) Matthew 28:19 — The Commission Fulfilled • Jesus issues the command, continuing the Father’s plan • “Go” moves God’s people from passive to active participation • “Make disciples” mirrors the prophetic purpose: bring people into a seeing, knowing relationship with God • “All nations” matches Isaiah’s universal vision (cf. Acts 1:8) • Baptizing “in the name” ties inclusion to covenant identity with the Triune God Connecting Threads • Same Actor: In Isaiah, God gathers; in Matthew, God the Son deploys His church—divine initiative in both texts • Same Audience: “All nations” explicitly repeats; Gentiles are not an afterthought but central to God’s redemptive plan (cf. Genesis 12:3) • Same Goal: Manifest “My glory” becomes “make disciples” who live under Christ’s lordship and display His glory (2 Corinthians 4:6) • Prophecy to Commission: Isaiah foretells; Matthew inaugurates. The church bridges promise and performance. Implications for Believers • Confidence: Global mission rests on God’s sovereign purpose, not human strategy alone • Urgency: The prophetic timetable is unfolding; obedience is timely, not optional • Inclusivity: Every ethnicity, language, and culture qualifies for gospel witness • Worship-Centered Mission: Evangelism is ultimately about people seeing and savoring God’s glory (Revelation 7:9–10) |
    |