At the Port Phillip East Presbytery’s meeting on Saturday August 20, Rev Dr Sunny Chen, Presbytery Minister: Congregations with Yarra Yarra Presbytery, reflected on the call to make disciples, as outlined in the Great Commission, Matthew 28: 18-20. Sunny provided a commentary on the context of Matthew’s gospel, explaining that the first audience was followers of Jesus in the Jewish community. There is evidence of an exclusivist bias regarding Gentiles in the ministry of Jesus, until the very last verses. The passage begins with an affirmation that every authority has been given to Jesus, in all domains (Heaven and earth). Sunny introduced us to the significance of Greek grammar when unpacking the instructions given by Jesus. There is one main verb, a key command: make disciples. Auxillary verbs, or participles, refer to going, baptising and teaching.
“First you (plural) must leave your comfort zone. Most importantly, you must help all the outsiders to become my students.Make disciples, with the intention that you immerse them into God, and teaching them to keep all my commands””.
Sunny Chen runs a monthly Zoom 1-hour Lectionary thru Greek Lens session every third Tuesday 12 to 1pm. During which Sunny shares insights gained from the Greek text of the Sunday Lectionary readings. The session is designed for lay people and ordained ministers, without any prior knowledge of Greek. It aims to show some new and interesting angles to look at the Lectionary readings, for people’s personal reflection, preparation for Bible studies or sermon. The session is also recorded for later viewing. If you are interested in joining it, email Sunny at sunny.chen@victas.uca.org.au
