The Great Commission is quite ambitious, going to disciple all the nations, so it makes sense that Jesus would end with something encouraging. We sometimes say the same thing when we’re sending someone off on their own: “We’re with you!” But when we say it, we just mean our hearts are with them; we’re not actually with them. What did Jesus mean? What did the disciples hear?

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20 ESV

What’s with “And behold”? Matthew uses that word in conjunction with some pretty amazing stuff. Here are his first ten mentions:

• Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared (3x)
• Behold, the virgin shall conceive
• Behold, wise men from the east came
• Behold, the star… went before them
• Behold, the heavens were opened
• Behold, a voice from heaven
• Behold, angels came and were ministering to him
• Behold, a leper came… saying.. Lord.. you can make me clean

I looked up “behold” in the Greek. The following is from Bible Hub – with my commentary….

• “And behold” in the New Testament is used, when at the close of a narrative something new is introduced – Jesus is telling them something new.

• The exclamation of one pointing out something – Jesus really wants them to get this point.

• When a thing is specified which seems impossible and yet occurs – What he’s about to say will sound impossible.

• Giving a peculiar vivacity to the style by bidding the reader or hearer to attend to what is said: “Behold! See! Lo!” – In modern language, maybe Jesus is imploring them to “Notice! Pay Attention! Listen!”

• Especially calls attention to what follows from it – Jesus wants them to hang on every word he’s about to say.

So what’s so important? Here’s my translation from the Greek:

“Behold, I am with you every day until the very end!”

That’s the big announcement Matthew saves for the final sentence of his gospel. (Luke does the same: “And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” – Luke 24:49)

Then in Acts, the Holy Spirit comes upon them and the impossible occurs. Jesus is actually with us. Every day. Until the very end. Including today!

Behold! Look! Notice! God is with you right now. And He’s been with you every day of your life, and will be with you tomorrow and the next day and the next until we see Him face to face.