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Rev. Jack Franicevich's avatar

Thanks for asking. I just have one insight, which is that (1) Matthew is a whole book, (2) the great commission isn’t the only commission, and that (3) to answer the question, What is the mission of the church according to Matthew, requires hearing the distinct and harmonious witness of (at least) the commissioning texts.

There’s a natural temptation to try to identify the most important paragraph of a book and then let that speak for the whole.

What are some of the differences? I mean, that’s for the reader to discern. What comes to mind: baptizing (Matt. 28) is an invitation to the Eucharist (Matt. 22). So those fit neatly. Discipleship (Matt. 28) is a big topic in Matthew, largely about a deep, reflective relationship to the keeping and teaching the commandments (e.g. Matt. 5), and about being good (e.g. Matt. 19-21).

Neither one collapses into the other 🤷🏻‍♂️

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Colin's avatar

I’m curious about your last comment about “our overfocus on the great commission.” What do you think the proper emphasis on the great commission should be in the Christian’s life? And what are some of the differences between the great commission and this commission to invite people to the feast?

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