Matthew 28:20

Context

Matthew 28:20 concludes the Great Commission, Jesus Christ's final instructions to His disciples before His ascension. This verse immediately follows His command to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them. It underscores the ongoing responsibility of believers to teach and obey Christ's commands, coupled with His powerful and comforting promise of perpetual presence.

Key Themes

• Discipleship and Obedience: The first part of the verse, "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you," emphasizes that Christian discipleship is not merely about conversion but about comprehensive instruction in Christ's teachings and a life lived in obedience to them. This involves both understanding and practicing His commands.
• The Enduring Presence of Christ: The profound promise, "lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world," assures believers of Jesus' continuous, unwavering presence. This divine companionship empowers His followers to fulfill the challenging mission He has given them, knowing they are not alone. It echoes the very meaning of "Emmanuel" (God with us), a theme introduced early in Matthew's Gospel.
• Divine Authority and Scope: This promise of presence flows directly from the declaration of all authority given to Christ in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). His presence is not limited by time or circumstance, extending "unto the end of the world," signifying the consummation of the present age.

Linguistic Insights

• "alway" (KJV): The Greek phrase here is pasas tas hemeras (πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας), which literally translates to "all the days." This emphasizes the continuous, unbroken nature of Christ's presence – every single day, without exception.
• "the end of the world" (KJV): The Greek term is sunteleias tou aiōnos (συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος). This is more accurately translated as "the consummation of the age" or "the close of the age," rather than just the physical end of the planet. It refers to the conclusion of the present order of things, leading to the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, a theme also found in Jesus' eschatological discourse in Matthew 24:3.

Practical Application

Matthew 28:20 provides both a clear mandate and an incredible comfort for believers today. It calls us to:

• Faithful Discipleship: We are commissioned to not only share the Gospel but also to patiently and thoroughly teach others to live out Christ's commands in every area of life. This requires a deep understanding of Scripture and a commitment to personal obedience.
• Courage in Mission: The promise "I am with you alway" serves as a powerful antidote to fear and discouragement in evangelism and ministry. Knowing that the Lord of all creation is with us empowers us to face challenges, knowing His presence guarantees ultimate success and support.
• Enduring Hope: Christ's presence extends to "the end of the world," assuring us that His work will continue and His purposes will be fulfilled until His glorious return and the ultimate establishment of His kingdom, when God will dwell with humanity perfectly. This promise grounds our hope in an uncertain world.