Jesus Made a Special Promise in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)
Introduction:
1. These verses record Matthew's account of the Great Commission. 2. In His Great Commission Jesus gave some important instructions, including: a. teaching b. baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit c. teaching all things that Jesus commanded. 3. In His Great Commission Jesus also made a special promise. 4. In our lesson we are concentrating on the Lord's promise. Discussion: I. JESUS PROMISED TO BE WITH HIS FOLLOWERS
A. Jesus made this promise in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:20b). B. Jesus said He would "always" be with His followers. C. Jesus is with those who gather together in His name (Matthew 18:20). II. THE LORD'S FOLLOWERS ARE BLESSED BY HIS PRESENCE IN VARIOUS WAYS
A. Jesus is our "mediator" (1 Timothy 2:5). 1. A mediator is a go-between, one who mediates between 2 parties to make peace. 2. To illustrate, Moses served as a mediator between the Israelites and God (Exodus 32:7-14). 3. Jesus is the "one mediator between God and men." B. Jesus is our "intercessor" (Romans 8:34). 1. An intercessor is one who makes a petition on behalf of someone else. 2. According to Hebrews 7:25, Jesus "ever liveth to make intercession" for those who "come unto God by Him." C. Jesus is our "High Priest" (Hebrews 3:1). 1. One of the main functions of the High Priest is to offer sacrifices on behalf of the people (Hebrews 8:3). 2. Jesus offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice once for all (Hebrews 7:26-27; 10:11-14). 3. As High Priest, Jesus provides special blessings [empathy, mercy, and grace] to His followers (Hebrews 4:14-16). D. Jesus is our "advocate" [a counselor, one who pleads the case of someone else] (1 John 2:1-2). III. TWO OF THE LORD'S GREATEST SERVANTS SHOW HOW HE IS WITH HIS FOLLOWERS
A. Stephen knew that Jesus was with him when he was killed (Acts 7:54-60). B. Paul knew that Jesus was with him when he was in prison (2 Timothy 4:16-18). Conclusion:
1. This morning we studied passages that relate to "revival." 2. Remembering that the Lord is always with His followers will revive the spirit.
