Matthew 28:16-20, ...but some doubted, for Sunday June 4, 2023

Matthew 28:16-20, ...but some doubted (Version: NRSV)

The Commissioning of the Disciples

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. 18And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

Alternative translation: Matthew 28:16-20, ...though some doubted (Version: The Gospels for Hearers)

16 The eleven disciples made their way to Galilee
and to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
When they saw him they worshipped (him), though some doubted.
And Jesus came to them, and spoke to them,
"All authority in heaven and on earth is given to me.
Go and make disciples of all the 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 look, I am with you all the days until the completion of the age."

From “The Gospel of Matthew”, Chapter 28, verses 16-20, 
in The Gospel for Hearers
(Translated from the Koine Greek by Elizabeth B. Edwards, Formatted by the Rev William A. Johnston), 2013, Diangellia Press.

What are the serious issues raised by Matthew 28:16-20?
(An AI response: Note that AI here provides opinion, not fact and should not be taken as authoratative)

Matthew 28:16-20 is a passage from the New Testament that is commonly referred to as The Great Commission. It is a call to action for all Christians to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. While this passage is often seen as a call to evangelize, there are serious issues raised by it that must be considered.

First and foremost, The Great Commission raises the issue of cultural imperialism. The directive to go and make disciples of all nations is often interpreted as a call for Western Christians to impose their beliefs and practices on non-Western cultures. This can lead to a dangerous form of cultural colonialism, in which Western values and theology are imposed on other cultures, often leading to a loss of cultural identity and self-determination.

Additionally, The Great Commission raises the issue of religious intolerance. The command to baptize people in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit can be interpreted as a rejection of other religions and belief systems. This can lead to a lack of tolerance for diversity and a disregard for the beliefs of others.

Another serious issue raised by The Great Commission is the idea of paternalism. The directive to make disciples can be seen as an attempt to save people who are perceived to be lost or in need of rescue. This can lead to a devaluing of the cultures and traditions of those who are being converted.

Finally, The Great Commission raises the issue of power dynamics. The idea of making disciples implies a position of authority and control. This can lead to a power imbalance, where those who are doing the converting hold all the cards and those who are being converted have no say in the matter.

In conclusion, while The Great Commission is an important passage for many Christians, it raises serious issues that must be considered. These include cultural imperialism, religious intolerance, paternalism, and power dynamics. It is essential that Christians approach the call to evangelize with humility, respect for other cultures and beliefs, and a willingness to acknowledge and address these issues.

Some questions raised by the text:

  • Who is Jesus talking to?
  • Who was the evangelist talking to?
  • If you read the verses before this you will see that a program of disinformation had been launched. We are familiar with such programs -- prehaps the most visible we are aware of come from both sides of the Ukraine war. It is therefore not surprising that some doubted even the evidence of their eyes. Jesus was alive again! No wonder others worshiped him. We live in a world of "spin". How can we defend ourselves against this?
  • Note the reference to the Trinity. You might like to consult some authorities about this. It may be an interpolation into the text from the later church. In any case we do to this day invoke the Trinity at baptism. Does it help?
  • "I am with you". What does that mean for you and for your congregation?
  • The end/completion of the age. What does Jesus mean by this? Why might Matthew want to ask us to take the completion of the age seriously. Is the text referring to the end of the world? Are we verging on the end of the world as we know it? Does being aware of the coming end make a difference to our thoughts and actions?
  • Will the risen Jesus play a role in the "new" world to come? Will "the faith" become more, or less, important?

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