How does Matthew 28:16 connect with Jesus' earlier teachings in Matthew 4:18-22? Setting the Scene “Meanwhile, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain Jesus had designated.” (Matthew 28:16) Echoes of the First Call (Matthew 4:18-22) • “As He was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers… ‘Come, follow Me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ … Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.” (Matthew 4:18-20) Key Links Between the Two Passages • Same geographic backdrop—Galilee. – Their discipleship journey both begins (4:18-22) and culminates (28:16) in this region. • Same core group. – Those first called by the lake are now the eleven who climb the mountain. • Same principle of obedience. – “Immediately they left their nets” (4:20). – “The eleven disciples went” (28:16). • Progression from invitation to commission. – “Follow Me” (4:19) has matured into “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (28:19). • From learning to leading. – Former fishermen now stand ready to fish for men on a global scale (cf. Acts 1:8). • Reinforcement of Jesus’ authority. – He summons them by the sea (4:19). – He summons them to the mountain where He will declare, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (28:18). The Disciples’ Growth Journey 1. Call—leaving nets (4:18-22). 2. Training—years of walking with Jesus (Matthew 5-25). 3. Testing—crucifixion and resurrection events (Matthew 26-28:10). 4. Confirmation—obedient gathering in Galilee (28:16). 5. Commission—sent to the nations (28:18-20; cf. Luke 24:46-49). Supporting Scriptures • John 21:1-14 – Resurrected Jesus meets disciples by the Sea of Galilee, reaffirming their mission. • 1 Corinthians 15:6 – Resurrection appearance to many, likely in Galilee, underscoring corporate witness. • Isaiah 9:1-2 – Prophecy of light dawning in Galilee fulfilled from first call to final charge. Takeaway Matthew 28:16 circles back to the place and people of Matthew 4:18-22, showing that the original call to “follow” blossoms into a lifetime mandate to “go.” The disciples’ immediate obedience by the sea prepares them for their decisive obedience on the mountain, illustrating Jesus’ consistent pattern: He calls, He trains, He sends—always on His authority, always for His glory. |
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