SURREY CHAPEL FELLOWSHIP GROUP NOTES – 13th / 14th April 2016

Matthew 28 v 16 - 20
WHAT HAPPENED - - - ON THE MOUNTAIN

Jesus began His ministry with being tempted by the devil. The third temptation was on a mountain -see Matthew 4 v 9-10. Now having defeated the devil by way of the cross on mount Calvary, Jesus meets his followers on a mountain to commission them (and us!!).
Jesus had risen and was soon to ascend back to heaven. Who will now spread the gospel?
How will these devastated disciples be changed and challenged?

PRESENCE v 16 – 17
Jesus foretold this meeting Matthew 26v31-32. Both the angel and Jesus had reminded them after the resurrection -Matthew 28 v 7 & v10.
Who was there (v16)?
Dr John MacArthur -This does not mean that only the 11 were present. The fact that some there “doubted” (v. 17) strongly suggests that more than the 11 were present. It is likely that Christ arranged this meeting in Galilee because that was where most of His followers were. This seems the most likely location for the massive gathering of disciples Paul describes in 1 Cor. 15:6
'some doubted' – note Acts 1v1-3
What did his followers do (v17)? Why?

POWER v 18 (see also Ch 11v27)
Notice -how Jesus has taken the initiative, now 'He comes to them'.
How much power has He? Read v18 in Amplified Bible also read John 3v35
His 'authority' over creation (Colossians 1v16-17) and redemption (Philippians 2v6-11)
Jesus commands them (v19-go!)– and He will make sure they are empowered (Acts1v8)

PURPOSE v 19
Is it then 'a command or an encouragement'?
Some have headed this as 'the great commission or great omission'. What do you think?
Literally “as you go”. As we pass through this world we are to carry the Gospel message with us, sharing it with everyone we meet along the way, as we are able.
Go, therefore' - -on what basis? How does that motivate and enthuse you?
'make disciples' (not just decisions) - - discus the emphasis here.
The work confirmed to the church by baptism as evidence of true conversion.

PROMISE v 20
'teaching; - The kind of evangelism called for in this commission does not end with the conversion of the unbeliever. What ways may we do this?
NOT ALONE AND NEVER ALONE! F.B.Meyer says -we could ask for nothing more.
Matthew 1 v23 -Emmanuel (God with us) – now Ch 28 – Emmanuel ( I am with you)
(if you want further study – look up the 7 'I am' passages in John revealing Jesus' deity)
In conclusion - - read Luke 24 v 44-53
												DJ
PRAYER POINTS:
'Facing a task unfinished, that drives us to our knees'