04/21/2024 "The Purpose of the Gospel" (Pt 1) [Matthew 28:16-20] cover art

04/21/2024 "The Purpose of the Gospel" (Pt 1) [Matthew 28:16-20]

04/21/2024 "The Purpose of the Gospel" (Pt 1) [Matthew 28:16-20]

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Summary

 All action has some purpose. The preaching/proclaiming of the gospel is action. Therefore preaching/proclaiming the gospel must have purpose. But let's pause and consider what has purpose in this statement: "preach the gospel". Is it the act of preaching that has purpose? Is it the gospel that has purpose? Preaching as an action can have any number of subjects to proclaim. Marketing executives can preach the value of a product or service. A politician can preach a political agenda. An evangelist preaches the gospel. Matthew closes his gospel with what the church now calls The Great Commission. It is a lesson from Jesus to HIS disciples to make disciples, baptizing them, teaching them. This passage has been affectionately dubbed, "The railroad terminal through which all of Matthew runs." This is not a lesson in individualism. This is a lesson in dependent unity. Jesus speaks to 'them' and commands 'them' to make disciples of 'them' by baptizing 'them' and teaching 'them'. The only sense of singularity here is in the assurance that Jesus is with 'them'. "I AM with you always". This is a lesson in discipleship in that HIS church will not be alone in this commission. It is a lesson for the faithful now to trust in Christ as we proclaim the gospel, HE makes disciples. It is a lesson clearly intended to encourage and affirm that though we doubt and fear this commission, we are not alone. Christ is with us even as we stand in fear and joy of this great calling to make disciples. In Christ Alone we do this. In Christ Alone we can.
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