Teachings and Commandments in Matthew 28:20
Teachings and Commandments in Matthew 28:20
Matthew 28:20 commands the disciples to "teach them to obey all that I have commanded you" [1]. This verse is part of the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs his followers to make disciples of all nations. The curriculum for this discipleship is "all that I have commanded you," indicating that Jesus' teachings are the foundation of the church's mission.
The phrase "all that I have commanded you" refers to Jesus' teachings throughout the Gospel of Matthew, including the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7) [5]. This sermon provides a comprehensive outline of Jesus' teachings on the kingdom of heaven, ethics, and the nature of discipleship. The Tyndale House commentary notes that the church is to be marked by its obedience to Jesus' commands, citing Matthew 5:17-20 and 7:13-27 as examples [5].
The command to "teach them to obey" implies that obedience is a key aspect of discipleship. Jesus' teachings are not merely intellectual or theoretical, but are meant to be put into practice. This emphasis on obedience is consistent with Jesus' other teachings, such as his statement that "whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:19) [8].
The context of Matthew 28:20 is also significant. The verse is part of Jesus' final instructions to his disciples before his ascension, and it provides a sense of continuity between Jesus' ministry and the mission of the church. The promise that "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" [1] provides assurance that Jesus will be present with his disciples as they carry out their mission.
Other passages in Matthew provide insight into the nature of Jesus' teachings and the importance of obedience. For example, Matthew 18:20 notes that Jesus is present with his disciples when they gather in his name, suggesting that his presence is not limited to his physical presence [6]. This theme is echoed in the cross-references to Matthew 28:20, which include Genesis 28:15 and Isaiah 8:10, both of which emphasize God's presence with his people [4, 3].
The teachings of Jesus in Matthew are also connected to the broader biblical narrative. The Tyndale House commentary on Isaiah 8:20 notes that God gave instructions and teachings through the law and through his prophets, such as Isaiah [7]. Jesus' teachings can be seen as a fulfillment and extension of this tradition.
In the view of Protestant academic sources, the emphasis on obedience to Jesus' teachings in Matthew 28:20 reflects a broader theme in the Gospel of Matthew. The church's mission is not just to proclaim a message, but to teach people to obey Jesus' commands. This understanding is supported by other New Testament passages, such as Ephesians 4:11, which links the role of church leaders to the task of equipping saints for ministry [2].
The presence of Jesus with his disciples is a recurring theme in Matthew and other Gospels. In John 15:27, Jesus notes that the Spirit will accompany his disciples as they testify about him, providing a connection between Jesus' presence and the work of the Spirit [9].
The command to obey Jesus' teachings has been a central aspect of Christian discipleship throughout history. As the church has carried out its mission to make disciples of all nations, it has emphasized the importance of teaching people to obey Jesus' commands. This understanding of discipleship is rooted in Jesus' own teachings and is reflected in the broader biblical narrative.
Sources
- Matthew “Matthew 28:20 (BSB) — and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.””
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: Eph.4.11 → Matt.28.20 (confidence: 21 votes)”
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: Isa.8.10 → Matt.28.20 (confidence: 16 votes)”
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: Gen.28.15 → Matt.28.20 (confidence: 16 votes)”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 28:20: 28:20 Teach: The disciples’ curriculum is comprised of all the commands of Jesus (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount, chs 5–7). The church is to be marked by its obedience to Jesus’ commands (5:17-20; 7:13-27). Jesus’ authority and presence are the basis for the disciples’ mission (see also 1:23; 18:20).”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 18:20: 18:20 Christ is present in the process of discipline, so the process is a ratification of God’s decision.”
- Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 8:20: 8:20 God gave instructions and teachings through the law and through his prophets, such as Isaiah (see 8:16).”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 5:19: 5:19 The realization of the law in Christ means that obedience to all of his commands (see 28:20) is the only acceptable response for his disciples. • Commandment refers to the Old Testament commands (5:18) as now fulfilled in Christ’s teaching (see 5:21-48). • the least in the Kingdom of Heaven: Jesus may mean that such an individual will enter the Kingdom, but only barely and with low status; alternatively, some Jewish evidence suggests that he is referring to damnation (cp. 8:12, where “those for whom the Kingdom was prepared” are eternally excluded).”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 15:27: 15:27 Disciples are not alone when they testify about Christ (Matt 28:20). The Spirit accompanies them, providing the words to say (Matt 10:19-20).”