How does Matthew 28:17 connect to the Great Commission in verses 18-20? Encounter on the Mountain • “When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted.” (Matthew 28:17) • The risen Jesus meets the eleven on the Galilean hill He had named (v. 16). • Two simultaneous responses: wholehearted worship and lingering uncertainty. Mixed Reactions: Worship and Doubt • Worship affirms Jesus’ divinity—only God deserves such honor (cf. Exodus 20:3; Revelation 19:10). • Doubt does not cancel discipleship; it simply shows faith in process. • The text never rebukes the doubters. Instead, Jesus addresses them by speaking. Tension Resolved by Authority (v.18) • “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” • Jesus answers their hesitation with a sweeping declaration: every realm now bows to Him (cf. Daniel 7:13-14). • This authority frames the command that follows; disciples obey not a mere teacher but the cosmic King. Commission Rooted in Worship (vv.19-20a) • “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” • “Therefore” ties mission to the worship/doubt moment. – What they saw (v.17) fuels what they must do (vv.19-20). • Baptism and obedience flow from acknowledging Jesus’ supremacy. Promise for the Hesitant (v.20b) • “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” • His presence answers the earlier doubt; they will never face the task alone (cf. Joshua 1:9; Hebrews 13:5). How Verse 17 Connects to Verses 18-20 • Verse 17 captures the disciples’ raw, honest state—worship mixed with doubt—showing they need reassurance. • Jesus immediately gives that reassurance in v.18 (authority) and v.20b (presence). • The commission (vv.19-20a) is sandwiched between authority and presence, turning imperfect worshipers into world-wide witnesses. • Their experience models ours: genuine worship propels mission, while doubts are settled by trusting His authority and nearness (cf. Jude 22-23; Acts 1:8). Key Takeaways • Worship precedes witness; seeing the risen Lord fuels going for the Lord. • Doubt is met, not scolded—Christ answers it with who He is and where He will be. • The Great Commission is inseparable from a personal encounter with the risen Christ; verse 17 supplies that encounter, verses 18-20 supply the mandate. |
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