Overview
This lecture examines the theme of mission in the Gospels, focusing on John 20:21 and Matthew 28:16–20, exploring their implications for Christian mission and how Jesus’ words and actions shape the church’s ongoing mission.
Introductory Context and Recommended Resources
- The Gospels were addressed to all Christians, not just specific communities.
- Key recommended readings include works by Baucom, Schnabel, France, Eskina, Bach, and Carson.
- These resources deepen understanding of the mission as seen in the Gospels and early Christian practice.
Structure and Theological Themes of Mission in the Gospels
- The narrative trajectory of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) centers on Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem and the cross.
- Four theological themes in the Gospels regarding mission: harvest (God produces results), growth (kingdom advance), cross (mission through sacrifice), and faith (trusting God as Lord of the harvest).
- Levels of mission in the Gospels: the Father sends Jesus, the Son’s redemptive mission, temporary missions for disciple training, and the church’s perpetual mission.
Unity and Diversity in the Gospel Commissioning Statements
- Each Gospel ends with a commissioning statement marked by both shared and unique emphases.
- These statements together yield an integrated mission concept: authority, sending, witness, disciple-making, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Analysis of Key Texts
John 20:21 – As the Father Has Sent Me, So I Am Sending You
- This passage emphasizes Jesus as the model; the church is to submit to Jesus as he submitted to the Father.
- The mission involves going into the world as Jesus did, targeting a rebellious and lost world.
- The giving of the Holy Spirit is essential for mission fulfillment.
- Forgiveness through gospel proclamation is central; where the gospel is not preached, forgiveness is withheld.
Matthew 28:16–20 – The Great Commission
- Jesus’ post-resurrection authority forms the basis for the command to make disciples.
- The commissioning includes going, making disciples, baptizing, and teaching, with making disciples as the central command.
- Going involves boundary crossing, reaching all nations (everyone, everywhere).
- Making disciples is not just maturing believers but reaching the lost and initiating them into lifelong learning and obedience to Jesus.
- Baptism and teaching are integral to forming disciples and emphasizing submission to Jesus’ commands.
- Jesus’ authority and ongoing presence provide assurance and enablement for mission.
Key Mission Principles and Implications
- The mission of the church is to make disciples of all nations, rooted in Jesus’ commands and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
- Mission requires obedience, intentional boundary-crossing, disciple-making, initiation by baptism, ongoing teaching, and reliance on Jesus' authority and presence.
- The end goal is the global worship of Christ, as depicted in Revelation 7:9.
Reflection Questions for Application
- Reflect on which dimension of the Gospel-based mission (authority, going, making disciples, baptizing, teaching, or presence) needs prioritization in the next three years.
- Consider steps for personal or congregational growth in obedience, outreach, disciple-making, sacramental practice, teaching, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.