#9 The great Commission.  Matthew 28:18-20

Matthew was writing his account for Jewish readers in order to validate the authenticity of the claim that Jesus was the true Messiah--the one they had been waiting for.  Matthew probably had not envisioned that Christ had also died for the Gentiles when he wrote his Gospel.  He begins his book by systematically listing the lineage of Jesus to validate Jesus' right to the throne of King David--as prophesied.  We trace Jesus from Abraham to Joseph. Each generation.  He even mentions women: Rahab--a prostitute, Tamar--a harlot, Bathsheba--an adulteress, and Ruth--a Gentile.

Then he immediately gives an account of the fulfillment of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, and that Mary was a virgin--as prophesied.  As well as a number of other fulfilled prophesies--so that the Jews who were on the fence would know for sure that Jesus was the promised Messiah.  And believe.

And then he gives us one of the greatest passages in the Bible.  The last two verses that Matthew writes in his Gospel.  The summation and purpose of all that he has told us.  He gives us marching orders straight from the mouth of Jesus.

"And Jesus...spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.  Amen"

We are to teach.  And for all of you out there who are reading this, you can't teach what you don't know.  And knowing is not listening to preachers, priests, popes or fanatics or television, or me.  Knowing comes from the word of God.  You must read it.  You must.  We have a direct command from Jesus himself. Get with it.