How does Matthew 10:1 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Opening the Text Matthew 10:1 — “Summoning His twelve disciples, He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness.” 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 observe all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Setting the Scene • Matthew 10 records Jesus’ first formal commissioning of the Twelve during His earthly ministry. • Matthew 28 captures His final earthly charge after the resurrection. • The first mission is local (“the lost sheep of Israel,” v. 6); the last is global (“all nations”). • Both passages unveil the same Savior, exercising the same authority, advancing the same Kingdom—first in seed form, then in worldwide fullness. Commission Up Close: Matthew 10:1 • Authority: Jesus imparts real, supernatural power (“authority over unclean spirits…to heal”). • Representation: The disciples act as His authorized agents (cf. Luke 9:1-2). • Purpose: Authenticating the message of the Kingdom with visible signs (cf. Isaiah 35:5-6). Global Mandate: Matthew 28:19-20 • Scope: “All nations” enlarges the field from villages of Israel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). • Content: Make disciples, baptize, teach obedience—moving from initial proclamation to lifelong formation. • Presence: “I am with you always” echoes Exodus 3:12 and guarantees success. Threads That Tie the Two Together 1. Same Source of Authority • In both passages Jesus is the One granting authority (10:1; 28:18). • The Great Commission underscores that “all authority in heaven and on earth” now belongs to Him, confirming and expanding the earlier delegation. 2. Continuation of Mission • Local practice in Matthew 10 serves as training for the global assignment in Matthew 28. • What they learned—healing, preaching, dependence, obedience—becomes the template for world evangelization. 3. Power Accompanied by Presence • Matthew 10: Jesus is physically nearby as they go. • Matthew 28: His continual spiritual presence (“always”) sustains them after His ascension (cf. John 14:16-18). 4. From Signs to Salvation • Miraculous signs in Matthew 10 foreshadow the spiritual transformation—new birth, baptism, sanctification—highlighted in Matthew 28. 5. Covenant Fulfillment • Matthew 10 previews Israel’s Messiah gathering His people. • Matthew 28 fulfills God’s promise to bless all families of the earth through Abraham’s Seed (Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:8). Step-by-Step Development of the Commission • Training (Matthew 10) • Demonstration at the cross and empty tomb (Matthew 26-28:15) • Authorization (Matthew 28:18-20) • Empowerment (Acts 2:1-4) • Ongoing witness (Acts 2-28; cf. 2 Corinthians 5:20) Encouragement for Today • The same risen Lord still supplies authority through His Word and Spirit. • The mission remains unchanged: proclaim, disciple, baptize, teach. • His promised presence ensures neither the message nor the messengers will fail (Philippians 1:6). |
    |