What does Matthew 28:18-20 mean?
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 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." - Matthew 28:18-20

Matthew 28:18-20 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
This passage is often referred to as the Great Commission, as it represents Jesus' final instructions to his disciples before ascending into Heaven. The passage holds significant meaning in the Christian faith and has often been used as a basis for missionary work and evangelism.
The first part of the passage, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth," establishes Jesus' authority and sovereignty over all creation. This statement reflects the divine nature of Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah. It serves as a reminder to the disciples, and to all believers, that Jesus has ultimate power and control over all things.
Following this declaration, Jesus instructs his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This command emphasizes the universal scope of the disciples' mission. It is not limited to a specific group or ethnicity but extends to all people throughout the world. The act of baptism symbolizes the believers' commitment to their faith and their identification with the triune God.
The next part of the passage instructs the disciples to teach the new disciples to observe all that Jesus has commanded them. This reflects the importance of teaching and discipling new believers, guiding them in their faith and equipping them to live according to the principles and teachings of Jesus. It also emphasizes the continuity of Jesus' teachings, which are to be passed down from generation to generation.
The passage concludes with the assurance that Jesus will be with his disciples always, even until the end of the world. This promise serves as a source of comfort and encouragement for the disciples as they embark on their mission. It also reiterates the presence and guidance of Jesus in the lives of believers, regardless of the circumstances they may face.
In terms of context, this passage takes place after Jesus' resurrection and before his ascension into Heaven. The disciples had gathered at a mountain in Galilee, where Jesus appeared to them and gave them this final commission. It marks the culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry and serves as a pivotal moment in the establishment of the early Christian church.
The Great Commission holds several key themes, including authority, evangelism, discipleship, and the presence of Jesus. It highlights Jesus' authority as the Son of God and the necessity for believers to share the Gospel with others. It also emphasizes the importance of nurturing and guiding new believers in their faith, as well as the assurance of Jesus' continual presence in the lives of his followers.
Symbolically, the passage carries profound significance. The triune formula of baptism symbolizes the believer's union with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, signifying their commitment to the Christian faith. Additionally, the command to make disciples of all nations reflects the universal reach of the Gospel and the inclusive nature of Christianity.
In conclusion, Matthew 28:18-20 captures Jesus' final instructions to his disciples, known as the Great Commission. It encapsulates the core mission of the Christian faith, emphasizing the authority of Jesus, the call to evangelize and disciple all nations, and the promise of Jesus' continual presence. This passage has been foundational in shaping the practice of Christian evangelism and continues to inspire believers to share the message of Jesus Christ with the world.
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Matthew 28:18-20 Artwork
Matthew 28:18-20 - "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'" - Matthew 28:18-20
Matthew 28:19-20
Matthew 28:19-20
Matthew 28: 19-20
Matthew 28:19-20
Matthew 18:20
Matthew 18:20
Matthew 18:20
Matthew 20:28 - "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
Matthew 28:18 - "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."
Matthew 18:20 - "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
Matthew 28:20 - "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
"Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." - Matthew 20:28
"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." - Matthew 28:20
Matthew 20:18 - "Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,"
Matthew 18:28 - "But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest."
"Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." - Matthew 20:28
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." - Matthew 28:18
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." - Matthew 28:18
Matthew 28:19-20 - "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 everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:20 - "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." - Matthew 18:20
matthew 28:19
matthew 28:19
Matthew 20:26-28 - "It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Matthew 18:19-20 - "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."
MATTHEW 28: 23
Matthew 23:28
matthew 8:28