2. COMMISSIONED LIKE HIM

"As" Jesus was sent by the Father, who has authority, and as He received all authority in heaven and earth, Jesus "also" commissions us (Matthew 28:18 ). This claim to authority of the risen Lord makes possible the fulfillment of His command. No humanistic force or demonic orders, not even the devil, can stop the advance of His kingdom people. He is Lord with all authority. Every knee will bow to Him and every tongue confess His Lordship.

Kingdom sons are directed by the King "to make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19 ). This job description is far larger than the discipling of individuals only. We are called upon to disciple, that is, influence, nations, and cause them to follow His standards and ideals. The work in hand is that of teaching the nations.

Unless kingdom people take their calling seriously, nations will continue practicing double standards. The answer to the world and its problem is to disciple the world to Jesus. There is no one else - no other answer. The leaders of the nations must learn from Him. In presenting the King we present the kingdom. He is the answer to this shaking, threatened world.

See the multitudes as He saw them, be moved with compassion. They are harassed, weary, scattered like sheep having no shepherd. Then get involved in praying the neglected prayer, and pray the Lord of the harvest to "send out labourers into HIS HARVEST" (Matthew 9:36-38 ). Take His commission upon yourself and be part of the answer to your praying.

Remember that it is His harvest. The gathering of human fruit and presenting of the nations will be put at His feet. Can you think of a greater or more rewarding task than to disciple nations to Jesus? It begins by ministry to individuals. This is emphasized in the words "baptizing them" (Matthew 28:19 ). Bring friends and neighbours into confessed relationship with Him, and in loving relationship with the Godhead, baptize them "in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19 ). Everyone is to be brought into the reality of identification with Jesus. An expressed union with Him:

must be a DEMONSTRATED UNION of dying to sin, being "baptised into His death" (Romans 6:1-3 )
must be a LIVING UNION, arising with Christ, and walking in newness of life, living the resurrection life (Romans 6:4-11 ).
must be a PRACTICAL UNION - presenting every body-member to Him as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:12-16 ).
must be an OBEDIENT UNION - from the heart obeying the teaching He has entrusted (Romans 6:17 ).

Further, those who confess relationship with the King are to be taught to observe all He has commanded. They need to know and practice kingdom principles as laid down by the King. Note the description of kingdom people in Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7.

Matthew 5:3-12 records His description of kingdom people.
Matthew 5:13-16 gives the function of His kingdom people.
Matthew 5:17-48 sets His standard for kingdom people higher than Mosaic law.
Matthew 6:1 to 7:12 relates His attitudes for kingdom people.
Matthew 7:13-29: the King gives exhortations to kingdom people.

His wonderful teaching is for kingdom people now. It is by kingdom life-style that we keep His commandments and disciple others. "As" He was sent of the Father, and in Him the kingdom was among men, "also" the kingdom of heaven is among men now through His sent kingdom people.