Jun 3, 2020
Matthew 28:19–20 (NRSV): Go therefore 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 that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Sometimes this passage is used to argue about baptism, or as a reminder that we are to be evangelists. In a moment I will point out that it is a first century AD use of the Trinity, but the controlling idea is that we make disciples.
When I went to Uni, the Christian group I was part of used to talk about how we needed to “win, build, send”. Win people for Jesus, build up their faith and send them out to win and build others. I think though that the order should be build, win, build and keep on building and send. We are disciple makers and being a disciple is a lifelong process which never ends. We can always grow and encourage others in their growth.
Part of that is worship, part of that is Spiritual practices like prayer (my weak point). Part of it is baptism. Part of it is witness, Part of it is serving the needs of others Part of it is teaching. (A strength of mine.)
So a teaching point here is that Baptism is to be done in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This shows that the experience of God as three in one goes right back to the first century. It’s not an invention of theologians or church officials. It was the experience of the early church. They met and worshipped God the Father in Jesus (Matthew 28:17). Even when Jesus was gone from sight they had a sense through the a Spirit Jesus was with them always. (Matt 28:20)
As we make disciples, building each other up and inviting others to meet Jesus, this is who we will introduce them too an teach them about God the Father who we met in history and know through the Bible and the Spirit who is within us and among us, now and always.
God, help us to grow in knowledge and love of you, Father, Son and Spirit so we may help others grow closer to you in life, love and faith. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
For an image see: https://biblia.com/verseoftheday/lightbox/EN_Matthew_28_19_Alt Shared from Logos Bible Software https://www.logos.com