The Gospel Commission

Background Scripture: Matthew 10
Lesson Scripture: Matthew 10:5-8, 19-20, 32-34, 40-41

Introduction

Jesus has appointed us to spread his love far and wide. As we have experienced his love through his mercy and forgiveness of sins, we will want to share it with others. In return, our love and appreciation for Jesus will cause us to carry out the gospel commission. Our love for others will draw them to Christ.

Remember: Spread the gospel every day; use words if necessary!

Key Verse

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matt. 28:19).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

In the previous chapter of Matthew, it is recorded that Jesus looked over the crowds with compassion. The people were disheartened and oppressed by their own leaders who had imposed on them a false, legalistic system of religion that denied the truth of God. They “were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matt. 9:36). This is what Jesus perceived and wanted to remedy—He wanted to be their Shepherd and Savior. They did not have direction even though they were the people of Israel.

As Jesus chose and called his disciples, they thought they were going to be part of a literal government and expected to be princes in Jesus’s new kingdom. In these verses, He was further revealing to them it would be a different kind of kingdom, a spiritual kingdom.

Identified as apostles—which means a messenger who is sent out—Jesus taught his disciples what He wanted them to do. He also gave them the ability to do what needed to be done to spread the gospel. Jesus granted the disciples power to heal the sick, raise the dead, and to cast out devils while preaching that the kingdom of God was at hand. This was a continuation of what Jesus had been teaching and preaching all along. Now He had helpers, and his message would be spread faster. The miracles Christ wrought and appointed to his apostles to also perform confirmed his deity, mission, and ministry. This proved that not only was He a great Teacher, but also the Redeemer of the world. The disciples were instrumental in Jesus’s acclaim being spread around the world, not only then but also after their conversion.

Jesus’s words sharply separated people. Some believed and became children of God, while others who did not believe became frustrated. Nonbelievers resented the thought of Jesus asking for their love. The commitment that a believer must make supersedes the love that person has for anything else in this world and includes family members, friends, and everything else of importance.

Because the followers of Jesus were spreading his message, they were viewed as the cause for division among the people. “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves” (Matt. 10:16). What may a flock of poor, helpless, unguarded sheep expect among a pack of ravenous wolves but to be hurt or wounded? Wicked men are like wolves, in whose nature it is to devour and destroy. God’s people are as sheep and of a humble nature and disposition, defenseless and harmless and a susceptible prey. It seems that it was Jesus’s plan to expose the disciples to danger so they would learn to trust Him completely and draw others to Christ by revealing their unflinching trust in Him.

The apostles and early Christians were forced to move around to stay safe, and this caused the gospel to spread like wildfire. Jesus told them to be harmless as doves and as wise as serpents. Doves are the symbol of peace and are not a bird of prey. Christians are not to hurt anyone, nor should they bear anybody ill will. The wisdom of a serpent is akin to its ability to slide and maneuver out of harm’s way, craftily staying hidden from danger and exposure. The persecuted, nonresistant people of God have continually sought places where they can live while wisely witnessing to the love of God.

Practical Truths for Today

Jesus prepared the apostles as he sent them out to heal the sick, cast out evil spirits, and raise the dead. These disciples could be considered the original missionaries. When God asks us to do something, he also prepares us by providing the necessary tools. To be prepared to go out and spread the Word of God, it will be necessary to spend much time in the presence of Jesus (John 12:26). Christ was not only revealed to Paul but also in him while he preached among the gentiles (Gal. 1:16). By the lively acts of faith and the frequent exercise of prayer and meditation, that fellowship with Christ must be maintained and kept up. This absolutely is a requisite qualification for the work of witnessing to the gospel, which must be every Christian’s everyday desire.

Whether we are in the middle of a foreign land being a missionary or at home living daily life, we can be a child of God, witnessing for Jesus. Being thankful to Jesus for forgiving our sins and taking care of us prompts us to love others like we have been loved. The best chance to spread the Word is found when a Christian helps another human being. A connection is made when a Christian stops and gives aid to a person broken down beside the road, assists with cleanup after a disaster, or digs a well for a village that has not had water before. Raking leaves for a neighbor or helping another person load the building supplies just purchased at the lumberyard are examples of what a Christian can do without giving it much thought. These are opportunities that open the door for conversation, and God can be glorified.

The disciples were given a direct command from Jesus. They were told to go out, preach, teach, and baptize. To some, the command today may be a little more indirect. Young people will often ask, “How do I know if I am called to be a missionary?” If you delight in the Lord, He will give you the desire of your heart (Ps. 37:4). If you love the Lord and appreciate the forgiveness and mercy you received, you will desire to spread his love. That desire is a gift from God and should not be neglected. It was such a serious responsibility that Paul said, “Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (1 Cor. 9:16). He had been given a divine commission. That same divine commission is still in place and in effect for us today.

Jesus was motivated to begin his disciple-training mission because of the inevitable judgment of mankind. It is why He had them begin preaching that the kingdom of God is at hand. Paul had the same motivation, saying to the Corinthians, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (2 Cor. 5:11). A Christian’s thankfulness to God motivates him to action. He also understands the terror of not being forgiven on the day of judgment. These two reasons are the basis for earnestly desiring to reach every person possible. Both reasons are to help all of mankind to have a relationship with God and be saved one day. Our love for God and the fear of hell will help keep this gospel commission always before us.

How we treat Jesus and and our fellow man is how He will treat us on judgment day.

Questions

1. How does a person know if he is spreading the gospel?
2. Does Jesus pick certain people like He did the disciples, or is everyone included in spreading the Word?
3. Is being too busy ever a viable excuse for not being a disciple?
4. How often should I feel motivated to speak for the Lord?
5. Does Jesus give his disciples the power to heal the sick, raise the dead, and remove evil spirits today? Why or why not?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).