The Passage

Read slowly. This is the text the rest of the course walks through.

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority 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, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:16-20)

Five lines. The whole marching order of the church.

Notice the shape. Jesus does not start with a command. He starts with a claim. All authority. Then comes the command, made up of three verbs: go, baptize, teach. Then He ends not with another command but with a promise. I am with you always.

Authority on top. Commands in the middle. Promise underneath.

That is the triangle of missions. Hold all three together as you read what follows.