Monday, March 30, 2009

The Life and Mission of Jesus, recorded in the Book of Matthew - Part 2


So he sends the twelve disciples out to preach and heal (Mt 10:1,8). I want to skip all the way now to the last chapter in Matthew. Chapter 28, The Great Commission, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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'.

The mission of Jesus in the early chapters of Matthew was to preach about the Kingdom of God being near, and to heal the sick. Jesus then passed that mission on to his disciples, or rather empowered his disciples to now take part in that mission. THEN, right at the end of Matthew, Jesus commands his disciples to teach them to obey (that's us), everything I have commanded you. What did he command his disciples to do in Matthew 10? To preach the message that the Kingdom of heaven is near and to heal the sick. Cutting away the cultural expecations that Jesus had for his disciples in chapter 10, I believe the essence that he wanted his disciples to pass on, was to preach, and heal. Fullness of life. The complete restoration of humanity and creation under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Mission (Mt 9:35-36) -> Disciples Mission (Mt 10:1) -> Our Mission (Mt 28:19-20)

Well, there's some thoughts, which if you're somewhat of a thinker, you'll have your own opinions. Feel free to comment for the sake of the building up of the body!

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