Article Reflection: The Commissioning of Jesus’ Disciples
Question
Article Reflection Assignment Instructions
Overview
The article will introduce the importance of thinking beyond the home culture and to consider and think cross-culturally and globally for the sake of the Gospel.
Instructions
Key items to include in this assignment are outlined as follows:
- Make sure to finish reading all of the assigned article.
- Article Reflection Paper must be 500–750 words.
- You must give a critical review of the article’s content and thesis in 200 words. Focus on why you did and/or did not appreciate the article’s content and thesis with suggestions when appropriate.
- You will reflect on, analyze, and apply at least 3 specific content references i.e. direct quotes or references from the article.
- Make sure to provide all citations.
- Format the assignment following Turabian format with cover page, contents page, paper with an outline, bibliography, and a strong introduction and conclusion.
Special Notes
- Discussing worldview and perceptions can often get confused because we assume that “worldview” and “Christian Worldview” speak about the same general topic. Typically, they are discussing different ideas. An American Christian and a Portuguese Christian may both know God. They might both have a “Christian Worldview”, but they have different values and perceptions about reality and what is important. People from different social classes or from different parts of the country might not see life with the same priorities or assumptions. Concepts like faith, God, family, poverty, and blessing carry cultural components taught from birth. Values like humility, courage, morality, compassion and generosity are measured by a different standard from culture to culture. This is why Paul said, “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them… I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:19, 22, ESV) Paul’s values did not change, his behavior reflected a respect for the values of others and humility that desires to build relationships across cultural barriers.
- When you introduce the article, add a footnote that gives a complete reference.
- Add details to show that you understand how the structure of the article accomplishes the purpose.
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Solution
Article Reflection: The Commissioning of Jesus’ Disciples
The article titled Globalization of missions: An exegesis on the Great Commission (Mt 28:28-20) by Mookgo S. Kgatie highlights the commissioning of Jesus’ disciples whereby Christ instructs them to go and make disciples of all nations. The article expounds and scrutinizes the passages in Mt 28:28-20 from a theological context and highlights how dominant themes of the great commission integrate the intimate qualities of evangelism as part of the mission of the church. The article identifies the four distinct qualities of the great commission, interprets them phrases within a literacy context, and directs disciples towards global missions.
From the beginning, the article dives directly into the theological context of Mt 28:28-20 inferring that the passage outlines the significant responsibility of mission and evangelism to each Christian. Several arguments by different authors regarding the passage are presented. I agree with some of these authors including Finkbeiner who argues that the themes depicted in the passage of Mt 28:28-20 offer insight into Matthew’s entire gospel. The entire gospel of Matthew is reflective of the four themes outlined in the passage namely the authority of Christ, the mission to all nations, observance of all things commanded by Jesus, and the promise that Jesus will be with them always.[1] It is also quite evident from the article that the passage features an adequate model for the church’s mission program for setting its vision, establishing its purpose, and making decisions. I also disagree with the authors that refute that the great commission is a summary of the gospel. Foremost, the great commission to all nations is characterized by this article as a ‘Mission is replicated discipleship, learned through ethical obedience and passed on through teaching.’[2] Foremost, the mission of the church is to nurture disciples whose first priority is to proclaim the gospel which cannot be achieved without proclaiming the gospel from personal experience and relationship with God, being directed by the power of the holy spirit, and growing through the process of discipleships.
The literal context of the first theme from the great commission pertains to all the authority that Christ had been given at his resurrection and ascension. The other chapters of Matthew give the reader a clear picture regarding Jesus’ universal authority which he expects his disciples to count on as they fulfill their global mission. Consequently, the great commission involves the missionary using God’s grace and help to make disciples. This authority can only be acquired through faith from the source who is Christ, who received it from the father. The theme of authority from this passage resonated with the ideals of a divine assignment for humanity from Christ.
People from different cultures have developed unique values and perceptions regarding concepts like faith, God, morality, compassion, and blessings.[3] It may appear favorable to evangelize to people sharing the same Christian worldview as opposed to people with unique cultures, languages, and beliefs. However, this does not meet the criteria for the great commission whereby Christ emphasized the importance of focusing on all nations. Given the current geographic and cultural context, the logistical practicality of proclaiming the good news to all nations is a considerably dangerous task. Foremost, when Jesus was instructing his disciples, the phrase ‘all nations’ referred to Gentiles, Jews, and Greeks. Currently, there are more than 130 nations with over a thousand ethnicities. Some countries have their unique religion that is practiced by a majority whereas other countries' ideologies are dictated by their governments. This kind of situation creates a dilemma for a missionary who intends to evangelize knowing that they have been given authority to minister to all nations.
The main topic of concern is where does the ideal disciple draw the line on what is attainable given the current geographic and cultural circumstances. For example, a Christian decides to evangelize to communities in a predominantly Muslim country. They may demonstrate authority from Jesus to observe all the things he has commanded by going to the country and attempting to minister to people.[4] However, the practicality of the global mission is challenged due to the attitude that Muslims have regarding Christianity as well as the state authority that perceives Christians as a challenge to their ideology. The passage in Matthew has demonstrated that the authority of Christ comes through faith which he has assured his disciples. However, the passage has failed to offer practical solutions regarding how a Christian purposeful in obeying Christs great commission can rationalize going to a country where they face imminent death or imprisonment for spreading a foreign religion.
Bibliography
Kgatle, Mookgo S. “Globalisation of Missions: An Exegesis on the Great Commission (Mt 28:18–20).” In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi 52, no. 1 (July 11, 2018).
[1] Kgatle, Mookgo S. “Globalisation of Missions: An Exegesis on the Great Commission (Mt 28:18–20).” In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi 52, no. 1 (July 11, 2018).
[2] Kgatle, Mookgo S. “Globalisation of Missions: An Exegesis on the Great Commission (Mt 28:18–20).” In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi 52, no. 1 (July 11, 2018).
[3] Kgatle, Mookgo S. “Globalisation of Missions: An Exegesis on the Great Commission (Mt 28:18–20).” In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi 52, no. 1 (July 11, 2018).
[4] Kgatle, Mookgo S. “Globalisation of Missions: An Exegesis on the Great Commission (Mt 28:18–20).” In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi 52, no. 1 (July 11, 2018).
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