How does Luke 24:47 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Setting the Scene • After His resurrection Jesus meets with His disciples twice—first in Jerusalem (Luke 24) and later in Galilee (Matthew 28). • Both encounters form a single commissioning moment spread over two locations, tying together one unified mandate. Key Texts • Luke 24:47: “and in His name repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.” • Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore 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 observe all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Seeing the Parallels 1. Universal Scope – Luke: “to all nations.” – Matthew: “make disciples of all nations.” Both passages dismantle any idea that the gospel is ethnic- or border-bound; the whole world is in view. 2. Christ-Centered Authority – Luke highlights proclamation “in His name.” – Matthew grounds the mission in Jesus’ own authority (28:18) and commands baptizing “in the name.” The authority and saving power of Christ’s name drive the mission. 3. Sequential Strategy – Luke: “beginning in Jerusalem.” – Matthew: the only geographic marker is “all nations,” but Acts 1:8 fills the gap: “Jerusalem… Judea and Samaria… the ends of the earth.” Luke gives the launch pad; Matthew supplies the horizon line. Shared Core Themes • Repentance and forgiveness (Luke) and disciple-making (Matthew) describe two sides of the same coin: turning to Christ and growing in obedience. • Both passages stress teaching: Matthew explicitly commands it; Luke’s context (v. 45) shows Jesus “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,” modeling the very teaching He later commands. Complementary Emphases • Message (what we say): Luke—“repentance for forgiveness of sins.” • Method (how we form disciples): Matthew—“baptizing… teaching.” Put together, the church proclaims a clear gospel and then nurtures repentant believers into obedient followers. Biblical Continuity • Acts 2:38-41 demonstrates the fusion: Peter calls for repentance, offers forgiveness, baptizes converts, and adds them to the discipling community. • Isaiah 49:6 and Genesis 12:3 echo the “all nations” promise fulfilled in Christ’s commission. Practical Takeaways • Evangelism and discipleship are inseparable; we must neither preach a message without forming disciples nor train disciples without preaching repentance. • Mission starts where we are (“Jerusalem”) but must move outward until every people group is reached. • The unbroken presence of Jesus (Matthew 28:20) and the power of the Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8) guarantee that this united commission is both doable and unstoppable. |
    |