How does John 15:27 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Setting the Scene Jesus’ last hours before the cross are packed with instruction. In John 15 He tells the Eleven about abiding, loving, and bearing fruit. Then, in verse 27, He pivots to mission: “And you also must testify, because you have been with Me from the beginning.” (John 15:27) A few weeks later, the risen Lord gathers the same men on a Galilean mountain and broadens that mission: “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, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) The Mandate in John 15:27 • “You also must testify” — a direct command, not a suggestion • Basis: “you have been with Me from the beginning” — personal knowledge of Christ anchors their witness • Context: Jesus promises the Helper (v. 26); testifying will be Spirit-empowered • Scope: initially to Israel (Matthew 10:5-6), but the seed of a global witness is present The Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 • “Go” — movement outward, crossing boundaries • “Make disciples” — not mere converts but lifelong learners • “Of all nations” — universal scope, fulfilling Genesis 12:3 and Psalm 22:27 • “Baptizing… teaching” — two ongoing, observable tasks • “I am with you” — Christ’s continuing presence matches the Spirit’s empowerment promised in John 15 Key Connections 1. Same audience, same Lord, same mission 2. Testimony in John becomes disciple-making in Matthew — different words, identical heart 3. Both rest on firsthand knowledge of Jesus and empowerment by the Spirit (cf. Acts 1:8) 4. Both are framed by Christ’s presence: • John 15:26 — the Spirit is sent from the Father and the Son • Matthew 28:20 — the Son Himself remains with His people 5. Fruitfulness: • John 15:5 — “whoever abides in Me… bears much fruit” • Matthew 28 — disciples are the fruit that lasts Practical Implications for Today • Abide, then go: effective witness flows from a living relationship with Christ (John 15:4) • Speak what you know: personal experience with Jesus still undergirds credible testimony (1 John 1:1-3) • Trust the Spirit: He convinces hearts; we simply testify (John 16:8) • Aim for disciples, not just decisions: teaching obedience is part of the package (2 Timothy 2:2) • Remember the promise of His presence when opposition comes (Hebrews 13:5-6) Encouragement from Other Scriptures • Acts 5:32 — “We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit…” • 2 Corinthians 5:20 — “We are therefore ambassadors for Christ…” • 1 Peter 2:9 — “that you may proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness…” John 15:27 plants the seed; Matthew 28:19-20 shows the harvest plan. The same Lord who spoke both verses still empowers His people to testify and disciple until He returns. |
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