Kingdom Consummated Part 9
At Keys Vineyard Church, we are presenting a series called ‘Kingdom Consummated,’ which we post here on Online Bible Institute.
As we bring our ‘Kingdom Consummated’ series to a close, let’s look at the final chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, a fitting bridge between what has been completed in Christ and what He is commissioning us to continue.
Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV)
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:16–20, often called the Great Commission, is not simply the conclusion of one story but the beginning of another. It connects the resurrection power of the risen King to our daily mission in the world. As we move toward Advent, preparing our hearts to celebrate the coming of Jesus, and look ahead to our New Year series ‘Kingdom Influence’, this passage calls us to live as participants in His ongoing mission.
Jesus declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” With those words, He reclaims what was lost in Eden. When God first created humanity, He gave them both identity and purpose: to be His image bearers and to steward creation under His rule:
Genesis 1:28 (NIV)
28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Humanity was meant to partner with God in extending the beauty, goodness, and order of the Garden throughout the earth. Yet, through sin, that calling was broken. Instead of ruling with God, humanity rebelled against Him, surrendering authority to the powers of sin and death.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus restored that authority. He defeated the dominion of darkness and reestablished the Kingdom of God on earth.
Colossians 1:13-14 (NIV)
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
The victory of Jesus is complete, and He now reigns as the true and rightful King. Now, Jesus sends His followers out in that same authority. “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations.” The heart of the command is not simply to go, but to make disciples, to invite others into the same relationship, identity, and mission that we ourselves have received. The word “go” literally means “as you go,” meaning this mission happens in the ordinary flow of life. Wherever you go, whether it is your workplace, your home, your school, or your community, carry the presence and authority of Jesus with you.
The Great Commission is God’s original design renewed. We are once again His image bearers, empowered by His Spirit, and invited to fill the earth with His glory. As we step into Advent and prepare for Kingdom Influence, may we live as sent people, reflecting the love, truth, and life of the One who has all authority and who promises, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This weekend at Keys Vineyard Church, we will discuss all this and more, so be sure to join us in person or online.
Steve Lawes is a pastor at Keys Vineyard Church and also the founder of the Online Bible Institute Network.
