How does Matthew 10:7 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Setting the Scene • Matthew records two “sending” moments: first, Jesus dispatches the Twelve (10:5-8); later, the risen Lord commissions the Eleven—and, by extension, every believer (28:16-20). • Both moments carry one core assignment: proclaim and advance the reign of God that has broken into history through Jesus. Matthew 10:7 in Context “ As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ ” • Audience: “the lost sheep of Israel” (10:6). • Scope: local, immediate. • Content: urgent announcement—God’s promised rule has arrived in the Messiah. • Method: spoken word backed by kingdom works (10:8). The Great Commission Unveiled “ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them … teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you… ” (28:19-20) • Audience: all nations. • Scope: global, ongoing “to the end of the age.” • Content: comprehensive—declare, baptize, teach; the kingdom message matured into full-orbed discipleship. • Method: empowered presence—“I am with you always.” Key Connections 1. Continuous “Go” – 10:7: “As you go…” (literally, “while going”). – 28:19: “Go therefore…” (same Greek participle). – The lifestyle of going never stops; the Great Commission lengthens the trajectory begun in chapter 10. 2. Central Kingdom Message – 10:7: near kingdom proclaimed. – 28:19-20: kingdom realities embodied—baptism into Triune name signifies transfer of citizenship (Colossians 1:13). – The Great Commission expands the initial kingdom announcement into kingdom formation. 3. Authority of Christ – 10:1: Jesus “gave them authority” to heal and cast out demons. – 28:18: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” – The same divine authority underwrites both missions; the resurrection publicly validates it (Romans 1:4). 4. From Israel to the Nations – 10:5-6 restricts mission to Israel for redemptive-historical reasons (Genesis 12:3; Matthew 15:24). – 28:19 removes geographic and ethnic boundaries, fulfilling the promise to bless all peoples (Acts 1:8; Galatians 3:8). 5. Progression: Proclamation → Discipleship – 10:7 focuses on announcement. – 28:19-20 adds baptism and lifelong obedience, showing kingdom entry (new birth) must be followed by kingdom living (sanctification). Implications for Today • Every believer stands in the same stream of “going,” carrying forward the unbroken chain from Matthew 10 to Matthew 28 to Acts 1:8 and beyond. • The message has not changed: Jesus reigns—enter His kingdom. • The mission has widened: preach, baptize, teach, reproduce obedient disciples anywhere the King sends. Scriptures for Further Reflection • Mark 1:14-15 – Jesus’ own kingdom proclamation. • Acts 8:12 – Philip preaches “the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ.” • Acts 28:31 – Paul “proclaimed the kingdom of God … with all boldness.” |
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