What Did Jesus Mean When He Said Teach?
- Sep 16, 2015
- 3 min read
In the Book of Matthew Chapter 28 we are given the record of what many call the great commission. it is here that Jesus says the following:
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations..."
He had previously mentioned that he had been given all power (exousia) in heaven and in earth. This power according to the Greek text is a comprehensive and yet difficult to understand type of power. The term literally refers to in one sense ability or capability and yet it contains within its synaxical meaning the ideaologies of:
1. Force
2. Power
3. Superhuman Capability
4. Strength
Its strongest meaning appears to refer to the concept of being one who is a potentate, ruler or magistrate who poseses authority or the liberty to flow in a jurisdiction of control. Many believe it is the authority to access and operate in force or the force of power. As such it will indicate the right to access and use power (of all types).
It is here that the undisputed Lordship of Jesus can be understood. He has all legal right and jurisdiction to operate as Lord Controller of all things. For this reason he tells them to God Therefore( oun - Accordingly, now then, so) is a statement that is connected to the declaration of his comprehensive power. He makes this assertion, "I have all authority in heaven and earth so go..." The Apostles and all believers are told to "Go and teach all nations. It is here that the Body of Christ has failed most miserably. As we investigate and examine closely the text it will yield the directive as given to Jesus. The term "teach" is the Koine Greek term "matheteuo". This term can be used transitively or intransitively meaning to cause to occur or to be the results of an action. He instructs the leadership to firstly cause individuals to become a pupil while telling others who are following leadership to become students or pupils. In so doing the believing body of Christ was to be discipled as they became pupils. The term matheteuo is significant because it clearly reveals that part of being a disciple is to firstly become disciplined as one enrols as a potential scholar.
This in and of itself stresses the importance of the believer submitting to be taught the tenets of the Word of God and become highly skilled in the understanding of the Gospel and the Word of God entirely. The Lord is clear within the context of this meaning as he instructs leadership to:
1. Disciple the World
2. Disciple the world by gathering them to become pupils (suggests that we organize to instruct them)
3. As they are organized in an educational setting discipline them and equip them to become scholars by continuous instructing and teaching.
It is very clear that the education process of the church was to be much more than a mild instruction on how to become politically correct in a post Christian society. The church was to produce defenders of the faith who were filled with power and authority. In this age it will be a necessity to introduce our young and the generation of future leaders to a greater level of truth and understanding of the Gospel and Word of God. The Christian Movement will depend on our growth and our faith in God. For the Church is still the light of the world.
End
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