Sermon Manuscript: New Testament Narrative Assignment
Paolino Curto
HOMI 675: Preaching from the New Testament (D01)
November 16, 2025
Attention
“All truth is relative.” That is the cry of the postmodern world. Whether you’re reading the
news, scrolling through social media, watching a show on Netflix, much of the world has
succumbed to the notion that there is no such thing as objective truth. What can be true for
you, might not be true for me. My truth is not your truth. On the surface, this does not seem
all that big a deal. The postmodern thinker contends that notion of relative truth is not
harming anyone, and in fact, it is making the world a better place! I mean after all, who
wouldn’t want to live in a world where their beliefs and views are respected and
acknowledged?
Need
Though the postmodern thinker often has good intentions, chiefly a desire to be loving and
kind to everyone, I have to say that believing there is no objective truth in the world is the
single most dangerous idea that could be adopted. Without objective truth, morality goes
completely out the window. Hope is completely dismissed. And worst of all, our destiny as
Human beings is not just one giant question mark, but impossible to determine.
The world today is in desperate need of a reevaluation of truth. And the most important truth
claims ever made is where we should start. And that truth claim, is that Jesus did rise from
the dead.
Subject: Resurrection Modifier: Commission
Textual Idea: Matthew records the disciples’ discovery of Jesus’s resurrection, the
opposition to His resurrection, and the commission that flows from His resurrection.
Sermon Idea: The resurrection of Jesus is both the most attested and opposed event in
history, but its implications result in a completely changed world through commissioned
disciples.
Interrogative: How does the attested resurrection, despite opposition, produce
commissioned disciples who change the world?
Transition: Matthew 28 shows us three distinct responses to the resurrection. The
resurrection of Jesus is met with fear and worship, opposition and a world changing
commission.
Satisfaction
DIVISION 1 STATEMENT
The Resurrection of Jesus is met with fear, worship, and belief (Matthew 28:1-10).
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Explanation
The result of the empty tomb struck fear in that of the guards (fierce Roman warriors) as well
as the two women (Mary and Mary). There was clear divine orchestration of this event as
evidenced by the earthquake and grand appearance of an angel. Mary and Mary’s response
to the empty tomb seems paradoxical (fear and joy) but is overwhelmingly appropriate given
the nature of this event. Once Jesus appears, the disciples are again told to not be afraid, and
they worship Jesus.
Illustration
Personal story of holding my newborn niece for the very first time. The fear that came from
the firsthand encounter of God as the creator of life, the overwhelming joy of seeing the
miracle of life derive from my own sister and brother-in law. All this pales in comparison to
seeing the dead risen. To illustrate this point is simply to try our best to grasp the
overwhelming nature of the resurrection.
Argumentation
The empty tomb demands a response from those who believe. As Christians, we are called to
worship, not a dead man, but one who is alive. One who has power over death and the grave.
Because of the resurrection of Jesus, believers are not only given brand new life but are called
to worship in spirit and truth.
Application
As a believer, are you simply going through the motions of faith because you feel you are
obligated to? Has faith become comfortable, predictable, or stale? If it has, it may very well be
because you are standing at a tomb that appears closed with a dead body inside. The
Christian faith is the worship of the living God, not the dead one. This week, ask God to renew
your sense of awe at the resurrection.
Transition (Div. 1 to Div. 2)
Not everyone responds to resurrection with worship. Some people, even with undeniable
evidence, choose opposition. Matthew shows us this immediately.
DIVISION 2 STATEMENT
The resurrection of Jesus is met with opposition and rejection (Matthew 28:11-15).
Explanation
The guards had firsthand evidence of the resurrection, with no reason to lie to the chief
priests. They would have been put to death for the fabricated story of allowing the body to
be stolen so the chief priests take care of this with the governor. The chief priests were not
interested in the truth and what implications it had, but were hell bent on dismissing the
truth to keep from losing power.
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Illustration
Shutter Island (movie). Story of a patient at an insane asylum that is let play out his made-up
fantasy of being a federal marshal so he can deny the truth that his wife killed their children
and he killed her in response.
Argumentation
Opposition to the truth is often not a result of a lack of evidence but a threat to pride,
position, or power. Accepting the truth of the resurrection is to accept the truth of our own
fallenness and distance from God. If Jesus is who He said He is, if He did in fact rise from the
dead, He holds complete authority over the lives of every human being. We all come into
subjection of God’s judgement because of the resurrection. Our lives are no basis for our own
salvation. Modern skepticism often isn’t the result of intellect but volitional. The question is
often asked of atheists: if Christianity were true, would you become a Christian? The answer
seemingly often is no, which proves that intellect is not always the problem. Those of you who
are boldly
sharing your faith, don’t be surprised at a rejection of the gospel, it has happened since day 1.
Application
For the unbeliever: the resurrection is the most attested yet the most opposed event. What
will you make of it? Your eternal destination hinges on the answer to the question “Did Jesus
really rise from the dead?” You must consider the truth of this event with an honest and open
mind and heart. For the believer: Are you opposing Jesus in subtle ways?
Maybe not outright denial, but practical atheism (living like Jesus is not really Lord)
Acknowledging resurrection with your lips while denying it with your life choices is not the
way Jesus outlines nor desires for you.
Transition (Div. 2 to Div. 3)
So, we have seen two responses to the resurrection so far. We have seen the response of fear,
belief and worship, we have seen the response of opposition and rejection, but lastly, I want
us to see how Jesus isn’t content with just being believed or opposed, but that He has a
mission, and He is commissioning His followers to accomplish it. The last response is that the
resurrection of Jesus is met with a commission.
DIVISION 3 STATEMENT
The resurrection of Jesus is met with a commission (Matthew 28:16-20).
Explanation
Jesus’ commission to the disciples claims total sovereignty and authority fort the life of a
Christian. His statements in Matthew 28:18-20 reveal the mission every Christian is employed
to. Because Jesus resurrected, He holds all authority but reminds the disciples that this
mission is not a solo one. He presents Himself as how they will be accomplished and be
accompanied on this mission.
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Illustration
Story of Lee Strobel sharing the resurrection with an atheistic coworker who rejected it but
was heard by an unseen tile worker crouched behind a desk, who himself would come to faith
as well as his entire family.
Argumentation
Jesus has authority now, but it hasn’t exercised it to fully consummation yet. He’s patient,
giving time for repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Giving the church time to reach the nations before
final judgment. His authority is real, proven by His resurrection and one day every knee will
bow whether voluntarily now or involuntarily later. The Great Commission isn’t an optional
suggestion; it’s a command from the risen King. We’re invited to participate in the
unstoppable mission of God.
Application
The great commission is not solely for pastors, missionaries, elders, or whatever “official”
position you might think of. The great commission is given to disciples. Though it is often not
the case, the title “disciple” is synonymous with “Christian.” A Christian is not solely someone
who comes to a believer in Christianity, but one whose life represents that very belief. “Make
disciples” means not just getting people saved but teaching them to obey Jesus.
Who are you discipling right now? Who’s teaching you to obey Jesus? And above all, what’s
your “all nations”? Where is Jesus sending you?
Visualization
This week: Pray for one specific person who needs Jesus. This month: Have one gospel
conversation. This year: Commit to discipling someone. Can you imagine what our community
would be like, what are state would be like, what the world would be like of each one of us
really committed to the great commission? I believe it would be unrecognizable in the best
way imaginable.
Reiteration
The resurrection of Jesus is met with fear and worship. We've seen the empty tomb and
encountered the risen Lord. The resurrection of Jesus is met with opposition. We've seen how
pride and autonomy reject even overwhelming evidence. The resurrection of Jesus is met
with a commission. We've been sent into the world with authority and presence. The
resurrection is both the most attested and opposed event in history, but its implications result
in a completely changed world through commissioned disciples. The question remains: Which
response is yours?
Action
If you’ve never met the risen Jesus: Today is your day. Don’t leave here without settling this
Jesus conquered death so you could have life. Surrender to Him, trust Him, worship Him. If
you’re a believer living like Jesus is still in the tomb: Stop going through religious motions
without resurrection power, ask God to fill you with holy fear and overwhelming joy, start
living like Jesus is alive and present with you. If you're ready to obey the Great Commission:
Commit this week to: Pray daily for one person who needs Jesus, have one gospel
conversation, invite one person to study the Bible with you.
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Introduction
“All truth is relative.” That is the heart cry of the postmodern world. Whether you’re
reading the news, scrolling through social media, or watching a show on Netflix, it feels as
though the vast majority of the world has succumbed to the notion that there is no such thing
as objective truth. What can be true for you might not be true for me. My truth is not your
truth. These statements and many more are likely not entirely foreign, but rather ones you are
beginning to hear with regularity. On the surface, this may not seem like a big deal. This notion
that truth is relative and what’s true for you might not be true for me may not appear all that
dangerous or dramatic. Further, the reality is that the postmodern thinker argues that relative
truth not only does not harm anyone, but in fact, it is making the world a better place! I mean,
after all, who wouldn’t want to live in a world where their beliefs and views are respected,
acknowledged, and accepted?
Although the postmodern thinker often has good intentions, primarily a desire to be
loving and kind to everyone, I must say that believing there is no objective truth in the world is
the single most dangerous idea that can be adopted. Without objective truth, morality goes
entirely out the window. Hope is completely diminished. And worst of all, our destiny as human
beings is not just one giant question mark, but is impossible to determine. The world today is in
desperate need of a re-evaluation of truth. The question we ought to be asking is not “what is
true for myself” but “what is true, PERIOD. And what does that mean for my life?” And while
pursuing the truth can feel like a daunting task, one that is difficult to embark on, I want to
contend that the best place to begin is with the most important truth claim ever made. And that
truth claim is that Jesus did, in fact, rise from the dead.
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This morning, we will unpack the resurrection story of Jesus as it appears in Matthew
28. In Matthew Chapter 28, we recognize that the account of Jesus’ resurrection is met with
three specific responses, each of which is worth examining. These responses are worth
exploring because ultimately, though we are not people who lived at this time, the resurrection
narrative demands that we respond. And whether anyone else in the world believes this or not,
we are all living out a response to this event at any given moment. So, let’s dive in this morning
and look first together at how the Resurrection of Jesus is met with fear, worship, and belief.
The Resurrection of Jesus is met with fear, worship, and belief (Matthew 28:1-10)
In Matthew 28, verses 1-10, we read the following: “Now after the Sabbath, toward the
dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.
And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and
came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing
white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the
angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly
and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to
Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb
with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said,
“Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to
them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
In Matthew’s account, we see that the result of the empty tomb is of divine
orchestration. This is not a mere coincidence or random act. The earthquakes and an angel
appear as visible to the women and the guards. This divine occurrence struck fear into the
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hearts of the guards as well as the two women. While it may be easy to glance over some of this
portion of the text, it’s important to really digest everything as it occurs. Notice that Matthew
lists how two different sets of people are struck with fear.
Consider, first, that the Roman guards are struck with fear. Maybe that’s hard to
visualize, so I want you to imagine them as current Navy Seals. We know that some of the
toughest and courageous men on the planet are Navy Seals. They undergo the most rigorous
and demanding training and do not flinch at things that commoners would cower over. Just like
the Navy SEALs, the Roman guards were disciplined, tough, and fierce; yet this scene has struck
them with a cowardice that has them trembling. The women, Mary and Mary, are likewise
afraid, but they are immediately comforted by the angel. And their response, though also one of
fear, is simultaneously joyous and of belief as they are given the news of the risen Jesus. These
are two stark contrasts to the same news being shared, but that is primarily due to the nature of
the relationship between a disciple and Jesus and a Roman guard and Jesus. But I also want you
to notice the response of the women and other disciples when they come to see Jesus in
Galilee.
Their response is that of worship. They fall at His feet and are filled with reverence.
This year, I became an uncle. My sister and brother-in-law welcomed a beautiful baby
girl into their family, whom they named Annaleia. This is the first baby born in my family, out of
my brothers and sister. Annaleia is my parents' first grandchild, and she has been the center of
all of our attention every day since her birth. The first time I held her was really the first time I
ever held a newborn. The feeling I had when I first held her will never escape my memory. I felt
an overwhelming sense of joy as I looked in her eyes and at her tiny hands and feet, and could
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hardly believe this was really my niece. But I also had a great sense of fear. Not necessarily a
fear of her, but a reverence that more so had to do with experiencing “firsthand” the nature of
God as the creator of life. It was truly a day I will never forget.
As I think about that day now, in light of this passage, and as I really try to place myself
in the shoes of the guards and the women, I simply cannot imagine how they must have felt.
I’ve thought about the fact that it’s one thing to witness the miracle of human life, but what
must it be like to witness a human coming back to life? And as I thought about it, I began to
realize how appropriate the response of the women and the disciples was. How can we not fall
prostrate and worship the miracle and provision of Jesus rising from the dead and defeating
death in doing so?
The empty tomb demanded a response from the guards. It demanded a response from
the women, it demanded a response from the disciples, and it demands a response from all
those who believe. As Christians, we are called to worship, not a dead man, but one who is
alive. One who has power over death and the grave. Because of the resurrection of Jesus,
believers are not only given brand-new life but are also called to worship in spirit and truth. We
are not called to believe the information of the resurrection, to simply verify the facts that Jesus
did rise. Because, as we will see shortly, the Roman guards testified to what happened, they
likely believed the information that was passed along to them. But we are not told that they
worshipped. We are told that the disciples worshipped.
So, all you who are believers, are you believers in information? Or are you believers in
the person of Jesus? Are you a believer in facts, or a believer in a living God? As a believer, are
you simply going through the motions of faith because you feel you are obligated to? Has faith
become comfortable, predictable, or stale? If it has, it may very well be because you are either
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mentally standing at a tomb that appears closed with a dead body inside, or because you have
simply believed in the facts and not the person. The Christian faith is the worship of the living
God, not the dead one. The Christian faith is the belief in Jesus, not in the facts of Jesus. This
week, ask God to renew your sense of awe at the resurrection. Ask Him to reveal His very
presence as it is, living and active.
However, while there is a clear call to respond to the resurrection of Jesus with worship,
not everyone responds in the same way. Some people, even with undeniable evidence, choose
to react in opposition. Matthew shows us this immediately, and that serves as our second
response, and that is that the resurrection of Jesus is met with opposition.
The resurrection of Jesus is met with opposition and rejection (Matthew 28:11-15)
As we continue reading in Chapter 28, verses 11-15, Matthew records the following:
“While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests
all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they
gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night
and stole him away while we were asleep.’ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will
satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So they took the money and did as they were directed.
And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.”
As we have already noted, the guards had the same firsthand evidence of the
resurrection as the women. And they respond similarly in that the women went to tell the
disciples the news, while they went to report to the chief priests what had happened. Now, the
Roman guards did not go to the chief priests because they were in awe of the amazing event.
They went to the chief priests likely out of fear. They were in an unwinnable predicament, which
led to the unrealistic, fabricated story that they fell asleep at their post, and the disciples came
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and stole the body. Anyone living at that time knew that a Roman soldier could be punished by
death for falling asleep at their post, yet this is the story that comes about from the planning of
the chief priests. This shows us that the chief priests were not interested in the truth and what
implications it had, but were hell bent on dismissing the truth to keep from losing power.
There’s an exceptional thriller movie called Shutter Island that follows the story of a
federal marshal named Teddy Daniels. Teddy, along with his partner, sails to Shutter Island, a
mental hospital for the criminally insane, to investigate the disappearance of a patient. As Teddy
and his partner uncover clues, he experiences increasingly fragmented memories and
hallucinations related to his time as a soldier and the death of his wife and children. Now, if you
haven't seen this movie, I want to let you know that I'm about to spoil it, because the film has
one of the greatest twist ending reveals. At the very climax of the movie, you learn that Teddy is
not a U.S. Marshal, but a patient at Shutter Island named Andrew Laeddis. The entire
investigation he is conducting is a sham and one major role-playing experiment designed by his
doctor (pretending to be his partner) to help him confront the trauma of murdering his wife
after she drowned their children.
When he is finally confronted by his doctor, he is met with the reality of accepting the
truth as it is, rather than living out a fictional story that opposes him having to come to grips
with the truth. The final scene of the movie (I know I’m really spoiling it here!), Andrew (Teddy
Daniels) sits on the steps with his doctor. He appears to slip back into his fictional persona of
Teddy Daniels. His doctor has a look of disappointment that the role-play therapy does not
work.
But then Andrew says, “Which would be worse: to live as a monster, or to die as a good man?”
Many people who have watched this movie believe that the ambiguous ending suggests the
main character would prefer to live as Teddy Daniels rather than face the unbearable truth of
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what he did. He preferred to “die” as the heroic U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels rather than
continue living as the man who failed to save his family.
Church family, opposition to the truth is often not a result of a lack of evidence but a
threat to pride, position, or power. Accepting the reality of the resurrection is to accept the
truth of our own fallenness and distance from God. If Jesus is who He said He is, if He did in fact
rise from the dead, He holds complete authority over the lives of every human being. The
Pharisees and religious leaders knew this. It did not matter to them whether the resurrection
was real or not; what mattered was that it forced them to self-denial. It prompted them to
acknowledge that they had been mistaken about Jesus. And it inclined them to choose between
attempting to save themselves or to relinquish the authority that they perceived they even had.
It could be said of them that, like the main character in Shutter Island, they would rather die as
heroes in their own eyes than accept their own failure and the ultimate truth.
We all come under the subjection of God’s judgment because of the resurrection. Our
lives are no basis for our own salvation. Modern skepticism is often not the result of intellect,
but rather a volitional choice. The question is frequently asked of atheists: if Christianity were
true, would you become a Christian? The answer, seemingly more often than not, is “no”, which
suggests that intellect is not always the problem. Those of you who are boldly sharing your
faith, don’t be surprised if you encounter rejection of the gospel; it has been happening since
the beginning.
For those of you who would not consider yourself a believer in the resurrection, I
acknowledge that you have much company. The resurrection is the most attested yet the most
opposed event. But what will you make of it? Your eternal destination hinges on the answer to
the question “Did Jesus really rise from the dead?” You must consider the truth of this event
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with an honest and open mind and heart. For those of you who do believe, I want to ask you,
are you opposing Jesus in subtle ways? Maybe you’re not outright denying the resurrection, but
if you are honest, you’re experiencing practical atheism (living like Jesus is not really Lord).
Acknowledging the resurrection with your lips while denying it with your life choices is not the
way Jesus outlines nor desires for you. The resurrection is the foundation of our faith. The
resurrection proves the power of God not only to bring eternal life but also to transform our
lives, empowering and emboldening us.
So, we have seen two responses to the resurrection so far. We have seen the responses
of fear, belief, and worship; we have seen the responses of opposition and rejection. Lastly, I
want us to see how Jesus isn’t content with just being believed or opposed, but that He has a
mission, and He is commissioning His followers to accomplish it. The final response is that the
resurrection of Jesus is accompanied by a commission.
The resurrection of Jesus is met with a commission (Matthew 28:16-20)
Finishing this portion of our text in Chapter 28, verses 16-20, we read “Now the eleven
disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they
saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All
authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 behold, I am with you always, to
the end of the age.”
The eleven disciples obey Jesus and go to Galilee. When they see Him, Matthew gives
us a brutally honest statement: “They worshiped him, but some doubted.” Even face-to-face
with the risen Christ, some still doubt. And remarkably, Jesus doesn't disqualify them. He works
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with doubters. But then Jesus speaks: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to
me.” In this statement, Jesus claims total sovereignty. Sovereignty over governments, nature,
history, life, death, everything. The resurrection proved it. He has conquered every enemy, and
now He holds all authority. It is based on his very authority that he brings forth a commission or
mission to “Go 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.”
Notice this commission involves three things. The scope of the commission is universal
as Jesus includes “all nations.” In other words, not just Jews, not just the religious, but every
people group. The method encompasses more than simply proclaiming truth, but is to “make
disciples.” Not converts, but followers who learn to obey. And finally, the means are specific.
Jesus commands the disciples to baptize and teach them to obey everything He has
commanded. But it is important to note that none of this comes without a promise that makes
the entire commission possible: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Always. Not sometimes. Not when things go well. Always. Every moment, every circumstance,
every success and failure. Jesus isn’t sending His disciples into the world and stepping back to
watch. He's going with them. His presence is the power source for the mission. But what I want
us to recognize today is that this commission wasn’t just for the disciples on that mountain. It’s
for every follower of Jesus in every generation. We go in His authority. We go with His presence.
The resurrection isn’t just a fact to believe; it’s a commission to obey.
Lee Strobel is a well-known Christian who came to faith after being an atheist for some
time. Lee tells the story of a time when he was working at a newspaper and decided to invite a
coworker in the business office to Easter services at his church. As Lee was packing up his things
to go home one night, he felt like God was prompting him to invite this coworker who just so
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happened to be an atheist. Lee thought that if God is really leading me to do this so specifically,
this is going to be awesome. He’s probably going to repent right there, get on his knees, and
receive Christ. So, Lee walked to the business office with anticipation. Sure enough, this atheist
coworker was sitting behind his desk, and he struck up a conversation.
“Hey, how are you doing?” “I’m doing great”. “Hey, you know Easter is coming up?”
“Lee, I’m an atheist, I don’t observe Easter”. Lee said, “Yeah, I know, but Easter is when we
remember that Jesus rose from the dead.”, “No, he didn’t” Lee said, “Well actually there is good
historical evidence he did.” So Lee began to talk to him about the evidence historically that Jesus
rose from the dead and as he shared evidence he could see the rolling eyes of his coworker and
thought “well this isn’t going all that well, let me change course.” So Lee asked “Do you ever
think about God?” He said “No.” Okay um, “Do you have any questions about God”. He said,
“No”. Okay um… “Hey, look, I know you like music, our church has got great music. Why don’t
you come to Easter services? I think you’ll like the music”. He said, “I don’t want to go to your
stupid church.”
And at that point, Lee recognized not much was happening, offered to be there if he had
any questions, and turned in. Certainly, Lee felt as though he had screwed up and was thinking
to himself, "What in the world just happened?" Why did God tug me so specifically to go and
invite him to church and talk about Jesus and the resurrection? And at the time of telling this
story, Lee explains this coworker is still an atheist, and that bothered him for years. But Several
years after that, Lee began pastoring at a church outside Chicago, and on a Sunday after
preaching, a guy came up to him and said, “Can I just shake your hand and thank you for the
spiritual influence you’ve had in my life?” Lee said, “Well, that’s very nice. Who are you?” He
said, “Well, you might not remember me, but a few years ago, I lost my job, and I was panicked.
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I didn’t have any money in the bank. I was going to lose my house. I was going to lose my car. I
went to the newspaper, and I said, “Hey, you have any odd jobs I can do to earn a buck?” And
the guy said,
“Well, can you tile floors?” and I said, “Well, yeah, I’ve tiled my bathroom. I think I can tile the
floor.” The guy said, “Well, we need some tiling installed and repaired, so if you can do that, we
can pay you for a while”.
So, the gentleman went to work at the newspaper. One day, an average day before
Easter, the man said, “I was in the business office, and I was on my hands and knees on the floor
behind a desk working on some tile on the floor, and you walked in the door, Lee. And I don’t
even think you knew I was there. You start talking to this guy about God, you start discussing the
resurrection, and you start talking about the historical evidence that Jesus really did rise from
the dead; you're inviting him to church. But this guy was shutting you down, and I’m on my
hands and knees behind this desk. And my heart’s beating fast. I’m thinking I need God. I need
to go to church. So as soon as you left, I called my wife. I said, “We’re going to go to church on
Easter”. We came to your church that Easter. I came to faith. My wife came to faith, and our
teenage son came to faith. And I just wanted to thank you.”
Friends, even when we have responded to the resurrection with worship and belief, we
sometimes fail to respond in obedience to the Great Commission that the resurrection
demands. But when we respond in obedience to the Great Commission, God promises that we
are operating under His authority and His approval. When we faithfully share Christ with people
of all walks of life, we should not be surprised that some will reject Him, but we must also
recognize that God, as the masterful worker He is, is drawing men, women, and children to
Himself in ways we may never have imagined possible. Who knows what unseen tile worker
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may be responding to the gospel because of your obedience to the great commission. Lee
Strobel was obedient to God’s prompting and the Great Commission, but what I also want you
to note from this story is that the tile worker came up to him years later to share that story. That
means that man and his family were likely not just impacted by Lee’s faithfulness, but also by
the faithfulness of who knows how many Christians who continued to invest in their lives.
Jesus has authority now, but it hasn’t been exercised to its full consummation yet. He’s
patient, giving time for repentance (2 Peter 3:9), giving the church time to reach the nations
before final judgment. His authority is absolute, proven by His resurrection, and one day every
knee will bow, whether voluntarily now or involuntarily later. The Great Commission isn’t an
optional suggestion; it’s a command from the risen King. We’re invited to participate in God's
unstoppable mission.
The great commission is not solely for pastors, missionaries, elders, or whatever
“official” position you might think of. The great commission is given to disciples. Although it is
often not considered this way by many, the title “disciple” is synonymous with “Christian.” A
Christian is not solely someone who comes to believe in Christianity, but one whose life
embodies that very belief and flows from it. “Make disciples” means not just getting people
saved but teaching them to obey Jesus. So, can I ask you, seasoned Christian, who are you
discipling right now? Can I ask you, growing Christian, who’s teaching you to obey Jesus? And
finally, can I ask each and every one of you who would say confidently, “I am a disciple of Jesus,”
what’s your “all nations”? Where is Jesus sending you?
Conclusion
As we conclude our time together this morning, I would like to challenge you. I want to
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challenge you this week to begin praying for one specific person whom you know does not
know and needs Jesus. Maybe it’s a coworker. Perhaps it’s a family member, friend, neighbor,
teammate, classmate, or someone else. This month: Have one gospel conversation. This year:
Commit to discipling someone. Can you imagine what our community would be like, what our
state would be like, what the world would be like if each one of us were genuinely committed to
the Great Commission? I believe it would be unrecognizable in the best way imaginable.
The resurrection of Jesus is met with fear, belief, and worship. It’s met with rejection, and it's
met with a commission. As Christians, genuine believers, we have seen the empty tomb and
encountered the risen Lord, though we were not alive at its very inception. As Christians, we
have seen and continue to see how pride and autonomy reject even overwhelming evidence.
But above all, we have seen and continue to see how the resurrection of Jesus dictates a
commission. We've been sent into the world with the authority and presence of almighty God.
The resurrection is both the most attested and opposed event in history, but its implications
result in a completely changed world through commissioned disciples. The question remains:
Which response is yours?
If you’ve never met the risen Jesus, Today is your day. Don’t leave here without settling
this. Jesus conquered death so you could have life. Surrender to Him, trust Him, worship Him. If
you’re a believer living like Jesus is still in the tomb: Stop going through religious motions
without resurrection power, ask God to fill you with holy fear and overwhelming joy, start living
like Jesus is alive and present with you, because He is. If you're ready to obey the Great
Commission, commit this week to: pray daily for one person who needs Jesus, have one gospel
conversation, and begin discipling someone. The world will never be the same because of it.
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