MATTHEW 28:16–20, THE COMMISSIONING OF THE DISCIPLES
I WILL BE WITH YOU TILL THE END OF THE WORLD
Introduction
This Gospel passage presents the final encounter between the Risen Jesus and his disciples in Matthew’s Gospel. After the trauma of the Passion and the joy of the Resurrection, Jesus meets the Eleven on a mountain in Galilee, the region where their discipleship began. At this decisive moment, Jesus reveals his universal authority, entrusts his mission to the disciples, and assures them of his abiding presence. The focus is not merely on a farewell, but on continuity: the mission of Jesus is now handed over to the Church, sustained by his power and presence until the end of time.
Bible Passage (Matthew 28:16–20)
As for the eleven disciples, they went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power 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, until the end of the age.”
Background
This passage concludes Matthew’s Gospel and follows the Resurrection narratives. Earlier, the angel at the tomb and Jesus himself instructed the women to tell the disciples to go to Galilee, where they would meet him. Galilee, often called “Galilee of the Gentiles,” symbolizes openness to the nations. The mountain setting recalls biblical moments of divine revelation, especially Sinai. Matthew intentionally ends his Gospel not with the Ascension, but with a mission mandate and a promise, emphasizing that the story of salvation continues through the Church.
Opening Life Connection
Every organization, family, or institution survives only if responsibility is handed on and leadership is shared. Parents pass on values to children; teachers entrust knowledge to students; elders transmit wisdom to the young. Jesus, before returning to the Father, also prepares for continuity. He entrusts his life’s mission to ordinary, imperfect disciples and promises them his presence. This Gospel invites us to reflect on how we receive, live, and transmit our faith today.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
“The eleven disciples went to Galilee”
They are eleven, not twelve, because betrayal and failure have already occurred. Yet Jesus still meets them. This shows that mission flows not from perfection but from grace.
“To the mountain where Jesus had told them to go”
Mountains in Scripture are places of encounter with God. This setting recalls Sinai and earlier moments in Jesus’ ministry, highlighting divine authority and revelation.
“When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted”
Worship acknowledges Jesus’ divinity. Doubt reflects human struggle before divine mystery. Faith often grows in the presence of uncertainty, not its absence.
“All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me”
Jesus proclaims his universal authority, received through obedience, suffering, death, and resurrection. He is Lord over history, creation, life, and death.
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations”
Mission flows from Christ’s authority. The disciples are sent beyond Israel to the whole world. Christianity is not confined to one culture or people.
“Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”
Baptism initiates believers into the life of the Trinity. It cleanses from sin, incorporates into the Church, and begins a new life in Christ.
“Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you”
Discipleship requires ongoing formation. Faith is not only received but lived through obedience to Jesus’ teachings.
“I am with you always, until the end of the age”
Jesus promises his permanent presence. Though no longer visible, he remains with the Church through the Word, sacraments, prayer, and the Holy Spirit.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
In Jewish tradition, mountains were associated with divine commissioning and covenant. Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai, and prophets encountered God on mountains. The concept of being sent with authority echoes Old Testament prophetic missions. However, Jesus surpasses all previous figures by claiming universal authority and establishing a mission that embraces all nations, not just Israel.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church understands this passage as the foundation of her missionary identity. Through Baptism and Confirmation, all believers share in Christ’s mission. The Church teaches that evangelization is the responsibility of clergy and laity alike. Baptism is necessary for salvation for those who hear the Gospel and can receive it, and catechesis must continue throughout life to nurture mature faith.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint Francis Xavier, sent to Asia in the 16th century, traveled vast distances preaching the Gospel, often alone and misunderstood. Sustained by Christ’s promise of presence, he baptized thousands and laid the foundations of the Church in new lands. His life illustrates how obedience to the Great Commission transforms the world.
Application to Christian Life Today
The mission of Jesus continues in families, parishes, schools, workplaces, and society. Parents evangelize children through prayer and example. Lay people witness to Christ through integrity, compassion, and service. Supporting missionaries, fostering vocations, reclaiming inactive believers, and strengthening parish life are concrete ways of living this Gospel today.
Eucharistic Connection
The promise “I am with you always” is fulfilled most powerfully in the Eucharist. At every Mass, Christ remains present with his Church, nourishing believers with his Body and Blood and strengthening them for mission. From the altar, the faithful are sent forth to live and proclaim what they have received.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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Renew awareness that every baptized person is a missionary disciple.
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Examine how faith is being handed on within family and community.
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Commit to ongoing faith formation and obedience to Jesus’ teachings.
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Support missionary work through prayer, sacrifice, and resources.
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Trust in Christ’s abiding presence amid challenges and doubts.
Outline for Preachers
• Background within the Gospel
• Life connection on continuity and responsibility
• Key verses and phrases explained
• Jewish historical and religious context
• Catholic teaching on mission and baptism
• Saintly or historical illustration
• Application to Christian life today
• Eucharistic connection
• Key messages and call to conversion
