All action has some purpose. The preaching/proclaiming of the gospel is action. Therefore
preaching/proclaiming the gospel must have purpose.
But let's pause and consider what has purpose in this statement: "preach the gospel". Is it the
act of preaching that has purpose? Is it the gospel that has purpose? Preaching as an action
can have any number of subjects to proclaim. Marketing executives can preach the value of a
product or service. A politician can preach a political agenda. An evangelist preaches the
gospel.
Matthew closes his gospel with what the church now calls The Great Commission. It is a lesson
from Jesus to HIS disciples to make disciples, baptizing them, teaching them. This passage has
been affectionately dubbed, "The railroad terminal through which all of Matthew runs."
This is not a lesson in individualism. This is a lesson in dependent unity. Jesus speaks to 'them'
and commands 'them' to make disciples of 'them' by baptizing 'them' and teaching 'them'. The
only sense of singularity here is in the assurance that Jesus is with 'them'. "I AM with you
always".
This is a lesson in discipleship in that HIS church will not be alone in this commission. It is a
lesson for the faithful now to trust in Christ as we proclaim the gospel, HE makes disciples. It is
a lesson clearly intended to encourage and affirm that though we doubt and fear this commission,
we are not alone. Christ is with us even as we stand in fear and joy of this great calling to make
disciples. In Christ Alone we do this. In Christ Alone we can.