The Great Commission - being and making disciples (Matthew 28:16-20)

Jesus' words in the passage known as 'The Great Commission' (Matthew 28:16-20) give to his disciples three great gifts: the gift of humility (you are not in control!), identity (the Great Commission is not just command, it defines who we are!) and belonging (The Great Commission comes with the Great Promise - 'I will be with you always'). Although sometimes we can hear these words with a sense of guilt, through Jesus' call, we are invited to work with him in his ongoing mission in the world, by his authority, empowered by his presence, in a life wrapped in forgiveness from beginning to end.  That's why it's called the 'com-mission'. Com=with, mission = sent.  We are sent with Jesus, in the name of the Triune God. The sermon MP3 includes the answers to some brief questions asked as part of discussion time after the sermon. This sermon was preached at St John's Southgate Lutheran Church on Trinity Sunday, June 19, 2011. Enjoy!