What is the significance of Jesus saying, “I am with you always even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20)?

Answer

The final verses of Matthew 28 contain what we refer to as the Great Commission. Jesus gave believers their mission— to make disciples— as they live under His authority and as His representatives on earth. This mission will continue to the end of the age. Christians have the assurance that God is with us, no matter what happens, even “to the very end of the age” «teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.», (Matthew 28:20).

As Jesus’ time on earth neared its end, He often told His disciples of what was to come, including what would happen at the end of the age. The “end of the age” or “the end of the world” (KJV) means the end of this present era and the commencement of the next dispensation. At the end of the church age, the end-times events will occur, God will judge the wicked, and Christ will return again to establish His kingdom (Matthew 24).

Jesus had told His disciples that He would be killed but would rise again «From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. », (Matthew 16:21). He intentionally gave them specific ways to recognize that the end was near (Matthew 24:4-14). Although Jesus did not give the disciples all the details of the end of the age, knowing they would not fully understand, His warnings came with assurances that would sustain them. Each time He warned them or gave them a command, He also gave them hope. For example, when He forewarned His followers

Jesus warned His disciples that they would face challenges in this world. However, He also comforted them by saying, “‘Take heart. I have overcome the world’” «These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.», (John 16:33). Jesus’ warnings and instructions to His followers always come with His reassurances.

Before ascending into heaven, Jesus instructed His disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). This promise of His perpetual presence with His disciples remains true for believers today. We have not yet reached the end of the age.

When Jesus promised to be with His disciples always, even to the end of the age, He did not mean His physical presence. God is constantly with us through His Spirit. Before His ascension, Jesus assured His disciples that He would send the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to them «But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. », (John 14:26). Since Pentecost, the Holy Spirit dwells in all believers from the moment of their salvation. He protects and assures our salvation (Ephesians 1:13;Ephesians 4:30), guiding us in righteousness (Galatians 5:16-18).

Galatians 5:16-18) reminds us of what is true: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26), and gives us godly wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:10-11). Through the Holy Spirit, we have assurance that God is in control and that He is with us always, even to the end of the age.

Just as God promised Joshua that He would never leave him or forsake him: “Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Deuteronomy 31:6), so Jesus told His disciples, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (NKJV). This promise sustains us as we seek to make disciples and live as God’s representatives on earth, no matter what trials or difficulties come our way.