Bible Study Notes 5/5/2026

WORD ALIVE! BIBLE STUDY ^©2026

Journey To Bethlehem and Beyond – Post Advent / Spring Series

Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton – Conley Hughes, Jr., Senior Pastor

Quiet Time: Max Lucado, Because of Bethlehem: Love Is Born, Hope Is Here, 2020

Lesson 18

5 May 2026

Matthew 28:16-20 NLT: The earthly ministry of Jesus would continue after His mission on earth. In preparation for our Lord’s continuing ministry, He met with the eleven remaining disciples to prepare them for the mission He was entrusting to them. When the disciples arrived at the appointed place, it was 40 Days after the Resurrection of Jesus. Matthew gives the direct account of the immediate reason for the final meeting. Jesus told the disciples “all authority” was given to him on earth, and he then commanded and commissioned them to proclaim His message to all people groups on earth. They were given directives to baptize; make disciples of new converts; and to teach new believers what He had right them. Luke describes the disciples worshiping Jesus, although some were doubting. Jesus assured them of His eternal presence with them.

Verses & Explanations for Matthew 28:16-20 NLT:

(Verse16): Preparation for the Great Commission:

¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus told them to go...

(Verse 17): Worshiping Through Apprehension:

¹⁷ When they saw Him they worshiped - but some of them doubted. 

(Verse 18): Jesus Assures Disciples of His Authority:

¹⁸ Jesus came and told His disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.”

(Verse 19): Command to Make Disciples of All People:

^{19 “}Therefore, go and make disciples  of all the nations,

(Verse 19): Command to Baptize in the Triune Name of God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:

baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit..

(Verse 20): Command to Teach New Disciples:

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.

(Verse 20): Promise of Christ’s Eternal Presence:

And be sure of this: I am with you always even to the end of the earth.”

Further Reading:  

Luke 24:47-53, NLT

⁴⁷ It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of His name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem: “There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.” ⁴⁸ You are witnesses of these things.”  ⁴⁹ “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven. ⁵⁰ Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting His hands to heaven, He blessed them.  ⁵¹ While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up to heaven. ⁵² So they worshiped Him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. ⁵³ And they spent all of their time in the Temple praising God.”

The Key Idea:

What We Believe!    

1. “Your word is a lamp to my feet  and a light to my path!” – Psalm 119:105