Primary Texts: Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:17-20; Luke 24:44-53; Acts 1:3-14
Memory Verse: And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:18-20
Introduction:
There are no less than thirteen different appearances of Jesus to his disciples recorded. Considering what Acts 1:3 says, the post-resurrection appearances of the Messiah covered a 40-day period prior to His ascension into heaven. During this time, Jesus continued to teach them about His true identity and purpose. He was clearly occupied with making sure that they would carry on the work and service to which He had been so dedicated.
Undoubtedly, the Lord knew that many things would oppose His servants—that Satan would attempt to thwart and discourage the work of God at every juncture. Jesus knew that many of His followers would be afflicted, persecuted, and some would pay the ultimate price of death for committing themselves to the work of preaching the Kingdom of God, but this was an eternally enduring work that would be well worth the personal cost.
Besides the instructions Jesus would have given them about the organization, spread, and edification of His church, the Lord would have worked to instill in them a higher perspective of their role and importance. They would become the original gatekeepers that would open to the world the divine truth of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. But it was imperative that they not get puffed up in self-importance. It was their calling and duty to pass the torch of eternal truth on for future generations.
Through the centuries since the ascension of Jesus Christ, as the great commission to make disciples has been passed from generation to generation, those who have come to the knowledge of the faith and received the promise of eternal life by the remission of their sins, have also accepted their role as “stepping stones” of the Christian faith, not thinking highly of themselves, but knowing that “…we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7).
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- When Jesus drew near to the disciples on the appointed mountain in Galilee, with what two opposing attitudes did they respond to Him? Matthew 28:16-17
- What great declaration did Jesus make to His disciples as a preface to giving them their ministry commission? Matthew 28:18
- Explain the true meaning of Jesus’ declaration in Matthew 28:18. (See also Ephesians 1:19-23)
- Describe the most accurate meaning of the great commission that Jesus gave to His gathered disciples. Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16
- What evidences did Jesus say would accompany faithful, ministering believers? Mark 16:17-18
- Explain the reassurance that Jesus gave to the disciples concerning the perfect completion of His ministry. Luke 24:49; Acts 1:1-3
- What reassuring promise did Jesus give again just prior to His ascension? Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8 (How did this promise support what Jesus told them in Mark 16:17-18 about the powerful signs that would accompany believers?)
- From what favored place did Jesus ascend into heaven, and what notable events accompanied His departure? Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:9-11
- After Jesus’ departure, in what state of mind do we find His followers? Mark 16:20; Luke 24:52-53; Acts 1:12-14