Scripture: Matthew
28:16–20
This passage contains the Great Commission. For Trinity
Sunday, however, we also note that the three Persons of the Trinity are named
in conjunction with Baptism. The lesson describes Jesus, after the
resurrection, giving instructions to his disciples to make disciples by
baptizing and teaching, and it shows the Trinity at work in unity bringing
salvation to those who believe in Jesus. While this passage contains marching
orders for the Church, God himself is at work bringing salvation to humanity as
he makes disciples of those who are baptized and taught.
Teaching
The evangelistic tone of this reading cannot be denied. It
is clear in these words that God desires that disciples (followers and students
of Jesus) would be made. He gives two tools for this task – baptism and the
Word; both of which are uniquely tied to his personhood. Baptism is done in God’s
Triune Name. The Word is God’s means to reveal himself to all people. At its
heart, evangelism is actually God’s work done through his people.
Discipleship is another important concept in this passage. It
is more than simply following. It is being shaped by Jesus. Forgiveness of sins
is central to the change Jesus makes in people as he makes disciples. Thus Holy
Baptism is the first mark given of discipleship. But discipleship also includes
learning, deepening in understand of God’s Word, yes, but this also includes learning
to trust God so that the disciple follows and grows in obedience because of the
confidence that his/her sins are fully forgiven in Christ.
Life
We are Jesus’ disciples. Through God’s work in Baptism and
through his Word, he has made us followers and students of Jesus. A disciple
follows the Master, learns from him, and does what he does. This is part of the
reason worship, Bible study, personal devotions, and the like are so important.
Those are times that we can listen to the Master giving attention to Jesus’
words to learn from him, as well as to be with him and to have our lives shaped
by him.
We also have the promise that our Master, Jesus, is always
with us. He is God, with the Father and Spirit, and as God he is omnipresent –
present in all places at all times. His presence among us is meant as a
comfort, reminding us that as we follow him (not because we follow him, but
because of his love for us) and live as he has taught us (relying on him for
forgiveness and sharing the hope we have in him) he is also there doing his
work.
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