How does John 8:31 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Setting the Scene • John 8:31 – “So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples.’” • 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, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Core Connection: Abiding Equals Discipling • John 8:31 defines a disciple as someone who “continues” (abides, remains) in Jesus’ word. • Matthew 28:19-20 commands believers to reproduce that same kind of disciple worldwide. • The Great Commission is therefore the global extension of John 8:31: – First, hear and believe Christ (John 8). – Then, keep on living in His teaching. – Finally, help others enter that same lifelong obedience (Matthew 28). Shared Themes • Continuance in the Word – John 8:31: true disciples “continue.” – Matthew 28:20: “teaching them to obey all that I have commanded.” • Identity and Mission – Identity: “truly My disciples” (John 8). – Mission: “make disciples” (Matthew 28). • Authority of Christ – John 8:31 looks back to the authority of His word. – Matthew 28:18 (context) declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” Scripture Echoes That Tie It Together • John 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Luke 6:46 – “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” • Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…” — the early church modeling John 8:31 while fulfilling Matthew 28. Practical Implications for Today • Evangelism must aim beyond decisions to ongoing obedience. • Baptism is the public entry; continuing in the Word is the lifelong practice. • Every believer, not just leaders, participates: we abide personally, then invite others to join us. • A healthy church measures success by how many are remaining in Christ’s teaching, not merely attending. Summary John 8:31 gives the definition of a disciple; Matthew 28:19-20 gives the directive to multiply that kind of disciple in every nation. Remaining in Jesus’ word at home and spreading that obedience abroad are inseparable parts of the same commission. |
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