As we pause our series in Ephesians to focus on missions, let us turn our attention to Matthew chapter 28, verses 18 through 20, the Great Commission as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. This passage reminds us of our call to worldwide evangelism, which includes both our local community and the ends of the earth. Jesus promises to go with us every step of the way, empowering us not through our own strength but through His divine presence. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matthew 28:18-20, KJV). Missions is not about what we can accomplish alone; it is about witnessing the miracles God performs through us, as He accompanies His labourers.
Because He Is Present, He Will Intervene
The promise of Jesus’ presence echoes throughout Scripture, beginning with His very name, Emmanuel, which means God with us. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us (Matthew 1:23, KJV). This divine intervention was essential for our salvation, as God came in human flesh to fulfill the law we could not keep and to sacrifice Himself for our sins. Without His coming, we would be lost eternally. In the same way, His ongoing presence intervenes in our lives and ministries. Whether planting churches, sharing the Gospel with a neighbour, or facing personal trials, we can trust that Jesus steps in when we need Him most. As a family bike ride often brings unexpected challenges like flat tires or broken chains, yet a father fixes them for his children, so God handles our obstacles. We make plans boldly because He is our partner, ready to part the Red Sea or answer prayers in His perfect timing.
Because He Is Present, He Will Confirm
Jesus’ presence not only intervenes but also confirms His work through us. In Mark chapter 16, after commanding His disciples to preach the Gospel to every creature, we read of their obedience: And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen (Mark 16:20, KJV). Though the sign gifts of the apostolic era have ceased with the completion of God’s Word, our miracle-working God still performs wonders that only He can achieve. Salvation itself is a miracle, as is the establishment of churches in hostile environments. Missionaries worldwide witness God’s confirmation, such as protection from harm or the transformation of lives bound by addiction or false beliefs. In one African village, a witch doctor’s failed attempts to curse a missionary demonstrated Jesus’ superior power, leading many to faith. As we evangelize locally or globally, we can be confident that Jesus will do what is necessary for His message to prevail, empowering us beyond human strategies.
Because He Is Present, He Will Protect
With Jesus’ presence comes divine protection for His purposes. In Acts chapter 18, Paul faced fear in Corinth, but the Lord reassured him: Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city (Acts 18:9-10, KJV). While believers, including missionaries, may endure trials or even martyrdom, nothing can harm us outside God’s sovereign will. History shows God’s safeguarding, like the missionary John Paton in the South Pacific, whose home was surrounded by hostile tribes yet protected by what appeared to be an army of angels, echoing Elisha’s prayer in 2 Kings 6:17. Whether reaching our community in Durham Region or venturing abroad, we step forward knowing that Jesus measures every challenge and provides grace to endure, ensuring His work advances unhindered.
Because He Is Present, He Will Strengthen
Finally, Jesus’ abiding presence brings strength in our weakness and loneliness. The apostle Paul experienced abandonment, yet found solace in the Lord: At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion (2 Timothy 4:16-17, KJV). When friends fail or burdens overwhelm, Jesus stands with us, enabling us to continue. Hudson Taylor, amid crises in China, rested in this truth, singing hymns of peace while entrusting dangers to God. In missions or personal valleys, we are never alone; His strength sustains us for eternal impact through the Great Commission.
Conclusion
Jesus’ promise in Matthew 28:20 is not mere comfort; it is a reality for every believer. He intervenes, confirms, protects, and strengthens because He is with us always. If you are navigating uncertainty, remember Emmanuel, God with us, who left heaven to save us and now empowers worldwide evangelism. For those yet to trust Him, salvation is not earned by efforts but received through faith in His finished work. May this truth encourage us at Faithway Baptist Church to engage boldly in missions, knowing we go with Jesus.
