We All Have a Responsibility to Evangelize

holy water

The theme of discipleship comes up often in the Gospel of Matthew.   What does it mean to be a disciple?

Matthew Shows Us

Matthew’s own life serves as an example of discipleship in varying ways throughout the book that bears his name.  His dramatic exit and change of life from his previous occupation as a tax collector is crucial.  A disciple must repent of his sin in order to truly follow Jesus. It is impossible, for example, for one to say he is a follower of Jesus and steal or deal illegal drugs.

Matthew ends his Gospel with a call to discipleship that is popularly called the Great Commission. It is a call to evangelize the whole world, yet, evangelism is perhaps one of the hardest elements of discipleship for us to grasp.  Many are not comfortable attempting to evangelize others, but it is something that we must do.  Matthew shows us this in the final words of Christ before He ascends to heaven.

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) states, “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.”

Christ gives a command to evangelize: namely, to go forth to baptize and teach the world. This command is not strictly for the disciples who physically heard it two thousand years ago, and it is not only for priests and deacons. This command applies to all those who claim to follow Christ.

This commission has its roots back in the Old Testament when the Lord told Abraham in Genesis 22:18 that all nations would be blessed in him. A mission to other nations was not uncommon in the Old Testament. There are some witnesses to it, such as Jonah, whom God sent to a foreign land to preach repentance to the people.

The Responsibility of All

The Great Commission, however, was a novelty. It was a clear-cut example that a new paradigm shift had been established, and the old way was no longer the norm. This new way had to be made known to every creature (Mark 16:16). After His Death and Resurrection, with His mission complete, the Savior commissioned all believers to spread His message.

It is a mission that confirms the authority of Christ through a very clear set of instructions.  In a way, the disciples take the place of Jesus on earth as though He is with them baptizing, teaching and working through them.  That is why evangelizing isn’t only the responsibility of the ordained.

There are many ways we can evangelize.  We can teach our kids the faith, volunteer at our parish, write blogs or simply be there to be a loving listener to someone who is hurting.

Sacrament of Baptism

The Great Commission passage also manifests the Trinitarian Formula for baptism. Matthew’s Gospel is the only one that specifically lists it. It seems to bring to mind the baptism of John the Baptist at the beginning of the Gospel. Jesus submits to it, not because He needs to, but in effect, to lead by example.

Most likely this wasn’t done to give authority to the baptism in which John was engaged.  It was to give Christian baptism a new identity. One that was in the name of the triune God and revealed the unity of the Godhead.

Baptism also brings us into the family of God and washes us of sin.  This washing of sin gives us a new birth: we are born again of water and the Spirit (John 3:5).  So the next time you are asked by a stranger if you are “born again”, say yes! You have been born again in the way that the Bible teaches.

Throughout Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus has been the teacher, but in the Great commission He transfers this responsibility to the disciples.   They are to teach what Jesus had taught them.

Christ Is With Us Always

One can only surmise what was going through the minds of the disciples upon hearing this. Perhaps anxiety, fear, or possibly utter terror. However, Jesus makes a profound promise that will last until the end of their lives, and indeed to the end of time itself. “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Not only does this declaration close out Matthew’s Gospel, but it brings the description of Christ from the beginning of his Gospel back to the forefront. Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God, Emmanuel, which means “God with us”. Though we are here on earth doing the work He has given us, His presence remains with us, and He is directing our paths.

How will you fulfill the commission of Christ?  You have a gift that God has given you.  Use it for Him and His Church. Use it to evangelize others for Christ!

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2 thoughts on “We All Have a Responsibility to Evangelize”

  1. Pingback: We All Have a Responsibility to Evangelize – Divineunmeritedlove

  2. Pingback: Advice and 8 Practical Tips for Evangelizing - Catholic Stand

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