The Great Commission
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What did Jesus instruct the disciples to do in the Great Commission?

  • Make nations submit to them
  • Make disciples of all nations (correct)
  • Teach their traditions to the world
  • Perform miracles in all nations

    • How was the Great Commission historically interpreted before the modern understanding?

  • A directive meant only for the first apostles (correct)
  • A call for all Christians to evangelize
  • A prophecy about the end of the world
  • An instruction to collect taxes for the church

    • Who challenged the limited scope interpretation of the Great Commission in 1792?

  • Johann H. Ursinus
  • William Carey (correct)
  • Justinian von Welz
  • David Bosch

    • What command does the Great Commission include besides making disciples?

    <p>Baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Luther and Calvin influence the interpretation of the Great Commission?

    <p>They argued it was only for apostles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Justinian von Welz's plea in 1664 about?

    <p>For a worldwide missionary enterprise</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When Jesus mentioned 'I am with you always, to the end of the age,' what did he emphasize?

    <p>His spiritual guidance and support to the disciples</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of church history did Bosch highlight concerning the Great Commission?

    <p>It was initially rejected by church leaders</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the progression of belief in Jesus unfold according to the narrative discussed?

    <p>From man to prophet to Savior</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What underlies the connection between Christians and the duty to evangelize as stated?

    <p>An observable difference in one’s behavior</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is implied to be a poor motivator for evangelism?

    <p>Duty to fulfill command</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the key elements suggested for the church's revival in evangelism?

    <p>Deeper grounding in scripture</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way is God described in relation to evangelism?

    <p>As the Evangelist making appeals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which verse explicitly emphasizes being prepared to defend one's faith?

    <p>1 Peter 3:15</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does love play in evangelism according to the discussion?

    <p>Love is critical for motivation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is indicated as a necessary attitude for the church to adopt?

    <p>Wonderment, joy, and gratitude</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Paul express about his obligation in sharing the gospel?

    <p>He feels a sense of duty</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of the Western church's avoidance of evangelism?

    <p>Decline in overall church strength</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Jesus's reason for stopping at Jacob's well?

    <p>Because he was tired and thirsty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What cultural boundaries did Jesus ignore during his encounter with the Samaritan woman?

    <p>Jewish customs regarding Samaritans.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Jesus say was his food?

    <p>Doing the will of the one who sent him.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What transformation did the Samaritan woman undergo during her encounter with Jesus?

    <p>From skepticism to belief.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Jesus refer to when he spoke of the harvest?

    <p>Spiritual opportunities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the other Samaritans react after hearing the woman's testimony?

    <p>They came to see Jesus for themselves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is indicated about the timing of the woman's visit to the well?

    <p>She wanted to avoid social contact.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of approach did Jesus use during his conversation with the woman at the well?

    <p>A contextualized and compassionate approach.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key theological point did Jesus make to the Samaritan woman?

    <p>His identity as the Messiah.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did the woman leave her water jar at the well?

    <p>She was eager to share her experience.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant outcome of Jesus's engagement with the woman?

    <p>Many Samaritans came to believe in him.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of the woman's life did Jesus address during their conversation?

    <p>Her past marriages and current living situation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phrase 'one sows and another reaps' imply in the context of Jesus's message?

    <p>The process of faith and belief takes time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the disciples' immediate reaction when they found Jesus speaking with the Samaritan woman?

    <p>They were surprised and confused.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the foundational text cited by various missionary societies?

    <p>The Great Commission</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Carey’s approach to the Great Commission primarily seen as?

    <p>A divine command to obey</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phrase from John Stott’s address echoes the idea of obedience to the Great Commission?

    <p>We engage in evangelism because we have been told to.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What alternative view does Bosch suggest for interpreting the Great Commission?

    <p>Interpreting it as a promise rather than an obligation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Bosch, what does the term 'therefore' in Matthew 28:19 signify?

    <p>A motivational factor for discipleship</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of Bosch's argument, how is mission viewed?

    <p>As a gift and a joyful opportunity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What supports Bosch's model of mission as a promise?

    <p>Various biblical stories of conversion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the Samaritan woman perceive Jesus to be when conversing at the well?

    <p>A prophet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Jesus offer the Samaritan woman at the well?

    <p>Living water that leads to eternal life</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What misconception did the disciples have when they found Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman?

    <p>They believed he was breaking social norms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinctive feature does Acts 1:8 emphasize regarding witnesses?

    <p>Witnesses receive power through the Holy Spirit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the woman respond to Jesus's proclamation about worship?

    <p>She expressed her understanding of the coming Messiah</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a critical aspect of mission as described in the content?

    <p>It is a joyful participation in God's work</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'living water' symbolize in the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman?

    <p>Spiritual nourishment and eternal life</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    The Great Commission Overview

    • The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:16-20, where Jesus commands his disciples to make disciples of all nations.
    • It emphasizes Jesus' authority in heaven and earth, the importance of baptizing, and teaching obedience to His commands.
    • This passage has historically been interpreted as a specific commission to the apostles, with limited applicability to later Christians.

    Historical Interpretation

    • Missiologist David Bosch highlights that early interpretations saw the commission as binding only on the first apostles.
    • Reformers like Luther and Calvin argued that the office of apostle ended with the first generation, reinforcing a limited view.
    • In 1664, Justinian von Welz called for a worldwide missionary effort based on this text, but his ideas were dismissed as interference with divine plans.

    William Carey's Influence

    • William Carey’s 1792 work, "An Enquiry into the Obligations of Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathens," challenged previous interpretations.
    • Carey's arguments sparked the Protestant missionary movement, leading to a broader understanding of the Great Commission as a directive for all Christians.
    • The Great Commission became foundational for various Christian missionary societies worldwide.

    Concept of Obedience and Authority

    • Some scholars advocate viewing the Great Commission through the lens of Christ’s authority and His promised presence rather than mere obligation.
    • Bosch suggests that mission work should be seen as a gift and a response to experiencing Christ, not simply as a command to obey.
    • This aligns with Acts 1:8, which presents the promise of power from the Holy Spirit for witnessing.

    Jesus’ Model of Evangelism

    • The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well serves as a model for evangelism.
    • This story illustrates Jesus' approach of engaging with marginalized individuals, crossing cultural boundaries, and addressing spiritual needs.

    Key Aspects of the Encounter

    • Jesus engaged the Samaritan woman purposefully, breaking social norms by addressing a solitary woman of a despised group.
    • His approach was deeply contextual, as He met her at her point of need and acknowledged her complex life circumstances.
    • Jesus balanced addressing cultural issues with revealing His identity as the Messiah.

    The Woman's Transformation and Community Response

    • The Samaritan woman’s transformation led her to joyfully share her encounter with Jesus, indicating evangelism stemming from personal transformation.
    • Her community, intrigued by her testimony, sought Jesus out and collectively recognized Him as the Savior of the world.
    • This interaction highlights the importance of personal experience with Christ as a catalyst for evangelism.

    Duty vs. Love in Evangelism

    • The text acknowledges a command in the Great Commission but emphasizes that duty should not be the primary motive for evangelism.
    • True motivation comes from a genuine love for Christ that inspires sharing the Gospel joyfully rather than out of obligation.
    • Comparisons are drawn to personal relationships, arguing that love is a superior motivator for faithfulness over mere duty.

    God's Role in Evangelism

    • The Great Commission emphasizes God's initiative in drawing people to Himself and equipping believers for transformative witness.
    • The church’s role is as ambassadors for Christ, reinforcing that God is the primary evangelist.

    Importance of Spiritual Life for the Church

    • The text calls for the church in the West to deepen its grounding in Scripture, prayer, and worship to attract curiosity and engagement from surrounding communities.
    • A revitalized church, focused on experiencing Christ, can lead to renewed interest and belief in Jesus among non-believers.

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    Description

    Explore the significance of the Great Commission as described in the Bible. This quiz will test your understanding of its message, the role of the disciples, and the implications for believers today. Challenge yourself to see how well you know this pivotal moment in Christian teaching.

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