How does Matthew 9:35 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Seeing Jesus’ Pattern of Ministry “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness.” (Matthew 9:35) • Teaching – explaining God’s truth • Proclaiming – announcing the good news of the kingdom • Healing – demonstrating God’s compassion and power Hearing His Final Marching Orders “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.” (Matthew 28:19-20) • Go – intentional movement outward • Make disciples – reproduce devoted followers • Baptize – identify converts with the Triune God • Teach to obey – shape lives around Jesus’ commands • I am with you – His ongoing presence and power Direct Links Between the Two Passages 1. Same core actions • Jesus teaches, proclaims, and heals (9:35). • Disciples teach and baptize while proclaiming the gospel (28:19-20). What He modeled, He now mandates. 2. Compassion drives mission • Immediately after 9:35, Jesus sees the crowds, “harassed and helpless,” and says, “Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers” (9:36-38). • 28:19-20 is the commissioning of those very workers. His heart for the lost becomes our marching orders. 3. Kingdom focus • 9:35 centers on “the gospel of the kingdom.” • 28:19-20 extends that kingdom to “all nations.” Local ministry springs into global mission. 4. Authority and power • 9:35’s healings display Christ’s authority over sickness. • 28:18 (preceding the Great Commission) grounds the command in “all authority in heaven and on earth.” The same authority that healed empowers disciples to go. Practical Takeaways for Us Today • Imitate the rhythm: teach truth, proclaim good news, meet real needs (Acts 1:1; 10:38). • Let compassion fuel action—pray for laborers and be willing to be the answer (Isaiah 6:8). • Remember mission is both local and global; start where you are, yet pray and give for the nations (Acts 1:8). • Rely on Christ’s continuing presence; He never sends us alone (John 20:21-22). In Short Matthew 9:35 shows what Jesus did; Matthew 28:19-20 tells us to carry on the same work, empowered by His authority and presence, until every nation has heard and every disciple is fully trained. |
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