1. Matthew 28:18-20.

I. Great because of its authority – all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

A. "All power (ASV - authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth." Jesus now rules in heaven (I Peter 3:22) and over the kings of the earth (Revelation 1:5).

B. Jesus’ words affirm his deity. There are at least ten times in the scriptures where Jesus is called God (Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1, 20:28, Acts 20:28, Romans 9:5, Philippians 2:6, Hebrews 1:8, Titus 2:13, I John 5:20, Revelation 1:8). Numerous other times where attributes of deity are ascribed to Jesus (John 14:9, Colossians 2:9).

C. Jesus had an inherent right to authority because if his being the creator (John 1:1-3), the heir (Hebrews 1:2), and the purchaser (Acts 20:28).

D. Consider people’s response at the end of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Re: Matthew 7:28-29.

E. As members of Christ’s church, we are to listen to the words of Christ and his apostles. Re: Matthew 17:1-5, Colossians 1:18, Hebrews 1:1-2.

II. Great because of its scope – Go ye therefore and teach all nations.

A. "Go ye therefore" indicates Jesus had the authority to command the apostles to go.

B. "All nations." Not referring to all governments but to all races. All nations of men are made of one blood (Acts 17:26).

C. They were to go into all the world (Mark 16:15-16).

D. They were to be witnesses to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8).

E. Imperative that we do all we can to take the gospel to all we can. Sadly, Jesus said "go" but too often we say "come."

III. Great because of its purpose - teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you.

A. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations (ASV – make disciples)."

B. These disciples are to wear the name Christian (Acts 11:26).

C. Baptizing them (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, 22:16, Romans 6:3, Galatians 3:27, I Peter 3:21).

D. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you. Baptism is a beginning, but must be followed by growth (Acts 2:41-42, I Peter 2:1).

1. Just as Jesus’ words motivated his early disciples to do great things, may they also motivate us to do great things.