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​​​​​“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
–Matthew 28:20
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Annotation: Jesus promises His constant presence with His followers, providing a deep assurance that we are never truly alone.
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Note: This verse speaks to the enduring presence of Christ in our lives, even when we feel isolated.
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This verse is part of Jesus' Great Commission to His disciples, which appears at the conclusion of the Gospel of Matthew. It is a powerful and reassuring promise from Jesus, made to His followers before He ascends to heaven. The context is significant, as it comes after His resurrection and is part of His final instructions to the disciples, sending them out to make disciples of all nations.
Breaking Down the Verse:
1. “And surely I am with you always...”
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"Surely" (or "Lo," in older translations) emphasizes the certainty and reliability of Jesus' promise. It’s as though Jesus is saying, "I am certain about this—I will be with you."
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The phrase "I am with you" signifies Jesus' presence with His followers. Even though He will physically ascend to heaven, He promises that He will be spiritually and powerfully present with them.
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The word "always" indicates that His presence is constant. There is no moment in the life of a believer when Jesus is absent or distant. He is with His people through every trial, task, and moment of life.
2. “To the very end of the age.”
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"The end of the age" refers to the ultimate culmination of history, which is the time when Jesus will return in glory to judge the living and the dead and establish His eternal kingdom (often referred to as the Second Coming).
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This indicates that Jesus' presence will not just be with His followers during their earthly lives but will continue throughout history until the time of His return. His promise is not bound by time or circumstances—He will be with His followers forever.
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This is an assurance that no matter what happens in the course of human history, or what challenges His followers face, Jesus' presence will remain with them until the end of time.
Overall Meaning:
Matthew 28:20 is a reassuring promise of Jesus' constant presence with His followers. He was about to leave them physically, but He assures them that His spiritual presence will be with them, always. This is not just for a moment or for a season; it is a promise that extends to the end of the age, which points to the ultimate time of His return.
Key Themes:
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The Promise of Jesus' Presence: The core message of this verse is the promise of Jesus’ continual presence with His followers. As they go out to fulfill the Great Commission, they are not alone. Jesus is with them, empowering them to do the work He has given them.
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Constant Assurance: The word "always" is a powerful word, indicating that Jesus will never leave His followers. This provides comfort and confidence for believers as they carry out their mission and face challenges, knowing that they are not alone.
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The Promise of Jesus’ Authority and Support: Jesus gives this promise in the context of His authority (Matthew 28:18). It’s not just any promise; it’s a promise from the One who has all authority in heaven and on earth. This authority makes His presence real, powerful, and effective. As believers go out into the world, they can trust that His authority accompanies them.
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Hope for the Future: The promise extends not only for their current mission but also into the future—even to the end of the age. This means that no matter how much time passes, Jesus' presence will continue to sustain and guide His followers. It's a reminder that believers can have hope for the future because Christ is with them, leading them toward the ultimate fulfillment of His kingdom.
Application for Believers:
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Confidence in God’s Presence: As believers, we can have confidence that Jesus is always with us. This can be an incredible source of comfort, especially during times of uncertainty, hardship, or loneliness. Even when we don’t feel His presence, we can trust His promise that He is with us.
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Empowered for the Great Commission: Jesus’ promise is given in the context of the Great Commission—the command to make disciples of all nations. We can take courage in knowing that we are not alone as we share the Gospel and carry out God’s mission. Jesus’ presence is with us, guiding, empowering, and encouraging us.
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A Source of Peace in Difficult Times: No matter the struggles, trials, or difficulties that may come our way, we can remember that Jesus’ presence is with us. In moments of fear, doubt, or persecution, this promise brings peace and reassurance. We are never abandoned, and we can rely on His constant support.
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Anticipating His Return: Jesus’ promise to be with us until the end of the age also has an eschatological element. It looks forward to the ultimate return of Christ, when He will establish His eternal kingdom. Believers can find hope in the certainty that Jesus is coming again, and His eternal presence will be fully realized at that time.
Summary:
Matthew 28:20 is a comforting and powerful promise from Jesus to His disciples (and to all believers) that He will be with them always, even as He ascends to heaven. His presence is not temporary or limited, but permanent and constant—with them to the very end of the age. This promise gives believers courage and confidence as they fulfill their mission to make disciples of all nations, knowing that the risen Christ is always by their side. His presence empowers them for their work, assures them in times of trial, and gives them hope for the future, looking toward His glorious return.
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Additional Information:
Read the full chapter and find more resources at biblegateway.com (external site)>>
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