How does Matthew 28:10 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Text Snapshot • Matthew 28:10 – “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see Me.’” • 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 end of the age.” A Call to Gather Before a Call to Go • 28:10 summons the disciples to Galilee; 28:19-20 sends them from Galilee to the nations. • The Lord first regathers and reassures His own, then releases them with global authority. • Matthew 26:32 had already promised, “After I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee”. The promise is now kept, underscoring His reliability. Parallels Between “Go and Tell” and “Go and Make” • “Go and tell My brothers” (v. 10) → “Go and make disciples” (v. 19). • Both imperatives use the same verb of intentional movement (poreuthentes), showing a seamless progression: – Women → apostles (v. 10) – Apostles → all nations (v. 19) • The pattern: receive revelation → share revelation → disciple others to do the same (cf. 2 Timothy 2:2). Galilee: The Training Ground for Mission • Galilee is where Jesus launched His earthly ministry (Matthew 4:12-17); He now relaunches the disciples’ ministry from the same region. • Prophetic resonance: Isaiah 9:1-2 calls Galilee “Galilee of the Gentiles,” hinting at the universal scope of the coming light—a foreshadowing fulfilled in 28:19-20. • Meeting in Galilee pulls the disciples away from hostile Jerusalem, providing space for encouragement, repentance (Peter), and final instruction. Fear Replaced by Vision • “Do not be afraid” (v. 10) addresses immediate fear; “I am with you always” (v. 20) addresses lifelong fear. • The risen Lord’s presence turns trembling witnesses into bold messengers (cf. Acts 1:8). • The assurance of His presence bookends the commission, rooting mission in fellowship, not self-reliance. Family Language and Discipleship • Jesus calls the disciples “My brothers” (v. 10), affirming restored relationship after their failures (cf. Hebrews 2:11-12). • The commission extends that family: as the gospel is preached, new believers are baptized “in the name” of the triune God, joining the household of faith. • Adoption fuels mission; forgiven sinners invite others into the same family. Progression of Command in Matthew 28 1. Angel’s word: “Go quickly and tell His disciples” (28:7). 2. Jesus’ word: “Go and tell My brothers… there they will see Me” (28:10). 3. Jesus’ final word: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (28:19). Each step widens the circle—from the empty tomb to Galilee to the ends of the earth—showing that obedience in smaller tasks prepares for greater ones. Practical Takeaways for Believers Today • Gather to meet the risen Christ before going out to serve Him; intimacy fuels impact. • Replace fear with faith in His promised presence. • Treat fellow believers as family; discipleship flows from relational commitment. • Small acts of obedience (“go and tell”) position us for broader kingdom assignments (“go and make”). • Trust the literal, trustworthy words of Jesus; what He promises, He performs. |
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