ACC ~ Matthew 28 v16 - 20

OVERVIEW:

Having put into their hands a summary of Christian teaching, which is expressed in the form of baptism, the risen Lord commanded the disciples to go forth into the whole world. With Jesus’ resurrection his own proper glory is again restored, following his humiliation. Jesus reminded his disciples of the consummation of all things, so that they would not look at the present dangers only but also at the good things to come that last forever. He promised to be not only with these disciples but also with all who would subsequently believe after them (CHRYSOSTOM).

28:16-17 | The Disciples See Jesus in Galilee

BUT SOME DOUBTED

CHRYSOSTOM: This seems to me to be the last appearance in Galilee, when he sent them out to baptize. And if “some doubted,” herein again admire the Evangelists’ truthfulness. Even up to the last day, they were determined not to conceal even their own shortcomings. Nevertheless even these are assured by what they see. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 90.2. [1]

[1] PG 58:789; NPNF 1 10:531.

28:18-20 | I Am with You Always

THE GREAT COMMISSION

JEROME: “Jesus approached them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me.’ ” This authority was given to one who had just been crucified, buried in a tomb, laid dead and afterwards had arisen. Authority was given to him in both heaven and earth so that he who once reigned in heaven might also reign on earth through the faith of his believers.

“ ‘Go therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’ ” First they teach all nations; then they baptize those they have taught with water, for the body is not able to receive the sacrament of baptism before the soul has received the truth of the faith. They were baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit so that the three who are one in divinity might also be one in giving themselves. The name of the Trinity is the name of the one God.

“ ‘Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you.’ ” What a marvelous sequence this is. He commanded the apostles first to teach all nations and then to baptize them in the sacrament of faith and then, after faith and baptism, to teach them to observe all that he had commanded. Lest we think these commandments of little consequence or few in number, he added “all that I have commanded you,” so that those who were to believe and be baptized in the Trinity would observe everything they had been taught. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 4.28.18-20. [1]

[1] CCL 77:282-83.

GO, MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS

CHRYSOSTOM: What does he finally say to them when he sees them? “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” He is still speaking to them according to his humanity, for they had not yet received the Spirit which was able to raise them to higher things. “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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” He gives them one charge with a view toward teaching and another charge concerning his commandments. He makes no mention of the future of the Jews. He does not scold Peter for his denial or any one of the others for their flight. Having put into their hands a summary of Christian teaching, which is expressed in the form of baptism, he commands them to go out into the whole world. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 90.2. [1]

[1] PG 58:789; NPNF 1 10:531.

AS IF TO ONE BODY

CHRYSOSTOM: After that, because he had enjoined on them great things, to raise their courage he reassures them that he will be with them always, “even to the end of the world.” Now do you see the relation of his glory to his previous condescension? His own proper power is again restored. What he had said previously was spoken during the time of his humiliation.

He promised to be not only with these disciples but also with all who would subsequently believe after them. Jesus speaks to all believers as if to one body. Do not speak to me, he says, of the difficulties you will face, for “I am with you,” as the one who makes all things easy. Remember that this is also said repeatedly to the prophets in the Old Testament. Recall Jeremiah objecting that he is too young and Moses and Ezekiel shrinking from the prophet’s office. [1] “I am with you” is spoken to all these people. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 90.2. [2]

[1] Jer 1:6, 8; Ex 4:10, 12; cf. Ezek 2—3.

[2] PG 58:789-90; NPNF 1 10:531.

TO THE CLOSE OF THE AGE

CHRYSOSTOM: Observe the excellence of those who were sent out into the whole world. Others who were called found ways of excusing themselves. But these did not beg off.

Jesus reminds his disciples of the consummation of all things. He seeks to draw them further on, that they may not look at the present dangers only but also at the good things to come that last forever. He is in effect saying, “These difficult things that you will undergo are soon to be finished with this present life. For this world will come to an end. But the good things you are to enjoy are immortal, as I have often told you before.” Having invigorated and roused their minds by the remembrance of that coming day, he sent them out. Those who live faithfully, with good works, should strangely desire that day even as those who lack good works should fear it.

So let us not fear and shudder. Let us repent while there is opportunity. Let us rise out of our sins. We can by grace, if we are willing. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 90.2. [1]

[1] PG 58:790; NPNF 1 11:531-32.