How does John 17:26 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? The Heartbeat of Jesus’ Prayer (John 17:26) “ ‘And I have made Your name known to them and will continue to make it known, so that the love You have for Me may be in them, and I in them.’ ” • Jesus openly reveals the Father’s “name” — His character, authority, and saving identity. • He promises to “continue” that revelation, indicating an ongoing, purposeful action beyond the Upper Room. • The aim: that the very love the Father has for the Son would indwell believers, and that Christ Himself would live in them. • Love and revelation are inseparable; to know the Father’s name is to be filled with the Father’s love. The Mandate of Jesus’ Command (Matthew 28:19-20) “ ‘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.’ ” • “Go … make disciples” extends the revelation begun in John 17:26 to “all nations.” • Baptizing “in the name” echoes Jesus’ commitment to make the Father’s name known. • “Teaching them to obey” ensures that disciples live out the love Christ has placed within them. • His promise, “I am with you always,” fulfills His pledge in John 17:26 to remain in His people. Shared Themes: Name, Presence, Love, Mission 1. The Name • John 17:26 — Jesus makes the Father’s name known. • Matthew 28:19 — Disciples baptize into that same triune name. 2. The Presence • John 17:26 — “I in them.” • Matthew 28:20 — “I am with you always.” 3. The Love • John 17:26 — Love the Father has for the Son placed within believers. • Matthew 28:20 — Continuous presence fuels love-driven obedience (cf. John 14:15). 4. The Mission • John 17 looks forward: revelation will “continue.” • Matthew 28 shows the method: going, baptizing, teaching (cf. Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:20). Practical Takeaways for Disciple-Makers Today • Proclaim His Name – Present the full character of the Father, Son, and Spirit, not a generic deity (Acts 4:12). • Demonstrate His Love – The credibility of the message rests on visible love (John 13:34-35). • Depend on His Presence – Approach every conversation and culture with confidence that Christ is literally with you (Hebrews 13:5-6). • Teach Obedience, Not Information Alone – Move learners from hearing to doing, so that love matures into holiness (1 John 2:5-6). • Remember the Goal – Making disciples is how Jesus keeps revealing the Father’s name until He returns; every act of faithful witness threads John 17:26 to Matthew 28:19-20. |
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