God’s mission-God’s Mandate

Julie Wong-God’s mission-God’s Mandate

Our sermon this Sunday was given by Ms.Julie Wong, a prominent leader among Christian Fellowships in local schools, and we were privileged to hear her speak on Matthew 28:16-20.

 16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Attention was first drawn to vs.17, where it is surprisingly noted that although his eleven disciples worshiped Jesus, some doubted. The preacher’s point was this - “God’s commission is for everyone, even those who doubt.” God never gave up on His disciples. Every one of the eleven went on to do great things for the Lord, and through their ministry and that of the apostle Paul, extended the gospel throughout the known world.

The second point is that the disciples went to the mountain where Jesus told them to go. It was an appointment with Jesus, and the disciples obeyed. We need to be obedient to the words of Jesus.

The third point – All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus. It is by His authority that we go forth and make disciples of all nations.

Julie than read from Psalm 84:5-7

5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
       who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
 6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
       they make it a place of springs;
       the autumn rains also cover it with pools. ^[b]
 7 They go from strength to strength,
       till each appears before God in Zion.

Focusing on the term pilgrimage, it shows that our life on earth is only a temporary one, and our final destination and hope is in Heaven. The Valley of Baca signifies a place of sadness and hopelessness, but even there, God can make it a place of refreshing. It is our hope and relationship in Jesus which will carry us all the way in fulfilling the great commission in our lives.

Don’t place Jesus in a box. His grace and love is boundless. We need to be open and let Jesus work in our lives in His way, not according to our thoughts, but His thoughts.

The Greek word for disciple, Mathets means learner. All should seek to learn in our walk with Jesus, and also teach others. We need to have the Word of God regularly to learn from Him, and also teach it. 2 Timothy 2:2 symbolizes this pattern which is so essential for church growth.

2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

God bless,

Jason