To Eleven Disciples on a Galilean Moutain

["Click here for Matthew's account"]
["Click here for Mark's account"]

We will use the account according to Matthew as Mark's account was added later and was not apart of the original text.
In the first part of Chapter 28, Matthew records the visit of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to the tomb of Jesus early on Easter morning. When they arrived they saw that the stone that had covered the entrance to the tomb had been rolled away and setting upon that stone was a Heavenly Messenger that told them that Christ had risen and had gone on into Galilee and that they were to tell the Disciples that they were to go there where they would meet Him. This event recorded here in Matthew Chapter 28 verses 16 thru 20 is believed to be the result of those instructions.
Much had occurred during the 40 days sense the resurrection. According to Luke and John, there had been at least 6 appearances before this one. I guess the question might be, why did He want the Disciples to meet Him here in Galilee so far away from Jerusalem. Many believe that this was the mountain where the "transfiguration" occurred, where Peter and John witnessed Jesus talking to Moses and Elijah. If so, certainly it was a very private and Holy Place.
Notice what the Disciples did when they saw Him. "They all worshipped Him." They recognized Him as Jesus, with whom they had walked for three years and as the Son of God, who was due worship and honor. But notice, as it is now so it was then, "Some doubted". Even amongst the worshippers, some doubted. Early faith may be very sincere and still be weak and wavering.
Notice the instructions Jesus gave them.

He told them of His position before God. "All power and authority on heaven and on earth had been given to me." This was done that He might give eternal life to all that the Father gave Him. He has power and authority over all the things on the earth and over the Angels in heaven. He has power to save, preserve and present faultlessly, all who accept Him as Lord and Savior.
He told them that they had no reason to be ashamed of the cross. Now every tongue would confess Him as Lord. There is now, therefore, no other name under heaven, given among men, where by we must be saved.
He told them that He was commissioning them with instructions to "go". Go to the brethren, go to the Samaritans, go to the Gentiles. Go and preach the Gospel to all people.
He instructed them to make disciples of all nations. This commandment was not understood by the Disciples. In the Book of Acts we see that they went back to Jerusalem after the Ascension where they stayed. It was not until God brought persecution upon them that they scattered and went into Samaria and Asia Minor. After making disciples of these people, they were to baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The rite of baptism is administered in the name of the three functions of the Godhead. All three had a part in our being, creation, salvation and sanctification. Through God, we are created, through the Son we are saved and through the Holy Spirit we are sanctified.
After they were saved and baptized, they were to be taught. They were to teach them all that Jesus had taught them. As new converts they would need instruction, encouragement and patience.

These instructions must have been overwhelming but Jesus assured them that He would be with them always. He was about to leave them as far as His earthly body was concerned, but He would have them know that His Spirit would be with them always. John, in the Book of Revelation, adds the words of Jesus, "I leave you for a little while but I will be with you again shortly." Christ will keep both our communion with Him and our expectation of His Second Coming and we shall persevere to the end.

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