Learn and Follow Jesus’ Teaching

Matthew 28:16-20

The Big Idea

Jesus teaches his followers to help others become disciples and to learn and follow his teaching. He promises to be with them always.

The Bible Story

The Great Commission

Matthew 28:16–20 describes the risen Jesus meeting the eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee. When they see him, they worship him, though some doubt. Jesus declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. He commands the disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He also tells them to teach people to obey everything he has commanded. The passage does not list those commands individually. Jesus closes with a promise to be with the disciples always, to the end of the age.

Themes

All nations Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Jesus’ authority Jesus’ continuing presence Making disciples Teaching obedience to Jesus’ commands

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

Jesus speaks to the disciples as they listen with scrolls or tablets representing learning. The visual emphasis is on teaching and following Jesus’ commands, without listing commands that are not included in this passage.

Talk together

Talk about it

What were the disciples told to teach?
How might Jesus’ promise encourage his followers?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page when teaching the Great Commission from Matthew 28:16–20. Invite children to notice Jesus’ authority, the worldwide reach of his command, and the connection between learning and obedience. Avoid adding a list of commands not given in this passage or describing later events.

Source note