How does Mark 3:15 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20? Setting the Scene in Mark 3:15 “He appointed twelve, whom He designated as apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach, and to have authority to drive out demons.” • Jesus personally selects and commissions the Twelve. • Their mission has two inseparable parts: proclaiming the gospel and exercising His delegated authority over the powers of darkness. • The authority is not their own; it is His, shared with them for Kingdom advance. Snapshot of the Great Commission “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 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, to the very end of the age.” • Jesus declares universal authority—broader than what the Twelve experienced earlier, now encompassing every realm. • The mandate expands from Israel (cf. Matthew 10:5-6) to all nations. • The promise of His abiding presence parallels the earlier physical presence they enjoyed while learning to minister (Mark 3:14 “to be with Him”). Connecting Threads 1. Same Source of Authority – Mark 3:15: authority delegated to the apostles. – Matthew 28:18: Jesus now reveals the full scope of that authority and sends them in it (cf. Luke 10:19). 2. Same Two-fold Mission – Proclaim truth (preach → make disciples, teach). – Confront darkness (drive out demons → spiritual warfare inherent in disciple-making; see 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Acts 16:16-18). 3. Progressive Training – Mark 3:15 functions as a practicum: the Twelve learn to rely on Jesus’ power. – The Great Commission is the final deployment: what began locally now goes global (Acts 1:8). 4. Presence of Christ – Mark: “to accompany Him.” – Matthew: “I am with you always.” His physical presence converts to spiritual presence through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-18). Why the Link Matters • Confidence: The authority once limited to a few is now promised to every obedient disciple. • Holistic Ministry: Evangelism and spiritual warfare are not separate callings; both flow from Christ’s lordship. • Dependence: Only by abiding in His presence can believers accomplish either task (John 15:5). • Continuity: The same Jesus who empowered the Twelve in Mark is the Lord who empowers the church today. Living It Out • Speak the gospel boldly, knowing Christ’s authority backs every faithful word (Romans 1:16). • Pray and act against spiritual strongholds, trusting His delegated power (Ephesians 6:10-18). • Disciple new believers, teaching them to obey everything He commanded—including reliance on His authority over darkness. |
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