How does Luke 8:38 connect to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Setting the Scene: Two Momentous Commands • Luke 8:38 – “The man from whom the demons had departed begged to go with Jesus, but He sent him away, saying,” • Matthew 28:19-20 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.” Both moments unfold after a dramatic display of Christ’s power—one over a legion of demons, the other over sin and death through the resurrection. In each instance, Jesus immediately turns miracle-witnesses into message-bearers. Luke 8:38—A Personal Commission • Audience: One newly liberated man in Gentile territory (the Decapolis). • Action word: “Go home” (v. 39). • Content of the message: “Describe how much God has done for you.” • Scope: “Throughout the whole town.” • Result: The formerly possessed man becomes the first missionary Jesus sends to Gentiles, testifying while Jesus heads back across the lake. Matthew 28:19-20—The Universal Commission • Audience: Eleven disciples on a Galilean mountain. • Action words: “Go… make disciples… baptizing… teaching.” • Content of the message: The full gospel—death, burial, resurrection, and obedience to all Jesus commanded. • Scope: “All nations.” • Promise: Christ’s continual presence “to the very end of the age.” Points of Connection 1. Same Initiative • Luke 8:38-39: Jesus, not the man, defines the mission. • Matthew 28:19-20: Jesus, not the disciples, defines the mission. 2. Same Verb—“Go” • One word propels both commissions outward from comfort zones into relational witness (cf. Acts 1:8). 3. Witness Starts with What God Has Done • Luke 8:39: Personal testimony of deliverance. • Matthew 28:19-20: Corporate testimony of the risen Lord. • Psalm 66:16 echoes this pattern: “Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul.” 4. Transformation Becomes Proclamation • Luke: A tormented outcast becomes a herald of hope. • Matthew: Fearful disciples become bold apostles (cf. Acts 4:13). 5. Overlapping Geography • Luke: Begins in the Decapolis, a largely Gentile region. • Matthew: Ends with “all nations,” fulfilling Isaiah 49:6—light to the Gentiles. 6. Jesus Sends, Jesus Stays • Luke: Though physically leaving, His authority remains with the man’s message. • Matthew: “I am with you always,” ensuring His authority accompanies His church. Implications for Us Today • Your story of salvation is your starting point. Whether delivered from obvious bondage or quiet sin, Christ authorizes you to speak. • Obedience is immediate; theological training can follow, but witness begins now. • Local spheres (“home”) and global horizons (“all nations”) are not competing; they are complementary tracks of the same mission. • The same Savior who commands the task guarantees His presence (Hebrews 13:5-6). Practical Steps Forward 1. Identify “home”—family, workplace, neighborhood—where you can “describe how much God has done.” 2. Intentionally “go” beyond familiar circles—support missions, engage refugees, short-term trips. 3. Pair testimony with teaching—share personal experience and Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 4. Rely on the promised presence—pray for boldness, trust His Spirit (John 14:26). Encouragement to Obey The demoniac’s first act of discipleship was simple obedience: tell the story. The apostles’ lifelong ministry began the same way. His command has not changed, and His presence has not diminished. Let’s go and do likewise. |
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