Matthew 28:16-20 from the King James Version (KJV) reads:

"16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshiped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

This passage concludes the Gospel of Matthew and records the final instructions that Jesus gave to his disciples before ascending into heaven. It is commonly known as the Great Commission and has been the foundational verse for much of Christian missionary work throughout the centuries. In this commentary, we will explore the themes, context, and symbolism present in these verses.

Context:

The context of this passage is the immediate aftermath of Jesus's resurrection. The disciples had witnessed his crucifixion and burial, and they were understandably bewildered and fearful. However, Jesus had appeared to them, proving that he had risen from the dead, and now they had gathered in Galilee to receive his final instructions. This was a crucial moment for the disciples, as they were being commissioned to carry on the work of spreading the gospel to all nations.

Themes:

1. Worship and Doubt: Verse 17 mentions that the disciples worshiped Jesus, but some doubted. This reflects the tension between belief and skepticism that often occurs in the hearts of believers. Even after witnessing the miracles of Jesus, some of the disciples still struggled with doubt. This serves as a reminder that faith is a journey, and it is normal to have moments of uncertainty.

2. Authority and Power: Jesus declares in verse 18, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." This proclamation of authority asserts Jesus's divine sovereignty over all creation. It also serves as a reassurance to the disciples that they were not alone in their mission. They were commissioned by the one who held ultimate power and authority.

3. The Great Commission: The central theme of this passage is the commandment given by Jesus to his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. This commission is a call to spread the message of salvation and to baptize new believers in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the universal scope of the gospel and the mission of the church to reach all people with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Symbolism:

1. The Mountain: The setting of Jesus's final instructions on a mountain is significant. In the biblical narrative, mountains are often associated with moments of divine revelation and encounter. This imagery suggests that the disciples were receiving a profound and transformative message from Jesus.

2. Baptism: Baptism is a symbol of initiation and cleansing in the Christian faith. It represents the believer's identification with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and their commitment to a new life in Him. The command to baptize all nations underscores the universal invitation to participate in the redemptive work of Christ.

3. The Triune God: The mention of baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit highlights the Trinitarian nature of God. This Trinitarian formula underscores the unity and diversity within the Godhead and reinforces the foundational doctrine of the Christian faith.

In conclusion, Matthew 28:16-20 captures the culminating moment of the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus imparts his final instructions to his disciples. The passage addresses themes of worship, doubt, authority, and the universal mission of the church. It also utilizes symbolism to convey profound spiritual truths about the Christian faith. As the foundation for the Great Commission, these verses continue to inspire and guide the mission of the church to make disciples of all nations, teaching and baptizing in the name of the Triune God.