Moving from confession to commission

Matthew 28:16 – 20

Introduction: The disciples of Jesus (especially the remaining eleven) had been through and seen quite a bit at this point in their life. Just to name a few they had witnessed Jesus forgive sin, heal the sick, diseased and injured, He resurrected a little girl and Lazarus from the dead at this point He Himself has even risen from the dead. Now that’s a lot for anyone to witness and be a part of. But nothing could compare with the commission Jesus was about to give them. Jesus had taught and prepared His followers for true discipleship. Were they really willing to follow Him even after His departure? You see to claim salvation by the blood of Jesus Christ is to also become a disciple of Jesus Christ. You may be sitting there today saying to yourself I have heard all of this before and maybe you have. The eleven felt like they had heard it all before as well. I want to ask you the question they had to deal with. Are you ready to move from confession to commission? Look with at what is really involved.

I. An Appointment for the disciples Vv. 16 - 17

A. To exercise a Journey

1. to Galilee

2. to a mountain top

B. To exercise their Worship

C. To exercise their Faith

II. An Appearance to the disciples V. 18

A. To declare

1. His authority (direct will)

2. His liberty (permissive will)

B. To provide (given 1325 di,dwmi didomi {did'-o-mee} to give something to someone, to give or commit to some one something to be religiously observed, to give one to someone, to follow him as a leader and master, to give one to someone to whom he already belonged, to return)

1. Instruction

2. Encouragement

III. An Application for the disciples future. V. 19

A. To confirm

B. To teach and be taught

C. To understand

1. Gods authority as Father

2. Gods channel as Son

3. Gods agent as the Holy Spirit

IV. An ordination for the apostles to follow. V. 20

A. They are to expound

1. for the growth of their followers

2. for the expansion of the faith

B. They are to instill

1. the doctrine of the savior

2. a practice of the ordinance.

C. They are to impart the knowledge given them.

V. An affirmation for the disciples to remember V. 20

A. The I AM of Moses is in their presence.

B. The presence of the savior is with them always

C. The peace of the savior will comfort them.

VI. An ownership for the disciple’s to claim. (Amen) V. 20

A. by agreement

B. by acknowledgment

C. by acceptance

Conclusion: As we wind up our look into moving from confession to commission, it brings up a few things to consider. Have you given your heart over to Christ have you accepted Him as Lord and Savior? Are you as ready to follow as you thought you were? Are you as willing to follow as you should be? No one is redeemed to sit and do nothing; likewise, we do not have the liberty to pick and choose what we will do. We too have a commission and we should take it seriously. (Invitation as God leads).