The Great Commission, found in the Gospel of Matthew 28:16-20, is one of the most significant and influential passages in the New Testament. It records the resurrected Jesus Christ’s final instructions to His disciples before His ascension to heaven. This commission embodies the essence of discipleship, calling us to make disciples of all nations. It has shaped Christian missions throughout history and continues to be a foundational aspect of Christian life and practice today.
In this blog post, we will delve into the depths of the Great Commission, exploring its meaning, relevance, and the call it extends to every believer. We will see that our obedience to Jesus’ command gives hope to a world that is lost without it. If you’re looking for this promise of God’s forgiveness, visit my blog site at Finding Peace With God.
Exploring Jesus’ Commission to His Disciples
The Setting and the Mandate
After His resurrection, Jesus met with His eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee. It was here that He gave them a command that would set the course for Christian outreach across the ages:
_”Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘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 28:16-20)
This passage, known as the Great Commission, is a concise yet profound directive. Jesus, declaring His sovereign authority, commands His followers to go out and spread His teachings to all nations. The commission is comprehensive, involving making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey Jesus’ commands.
The Scope and the Promise
The scope of the Great Commission is global, indicating that the message of Jesus is not confined to a single ethnic group or geographical region. It is a call to cross-cultural engagement, to reach every corner of the earth with the message of the Gospel.
The promise attached to the commission is equally significant. Jesus assures His disciples of His continual presence, “to the very end of the age.” This is a promise of divine support and guidance for the daunting task at hand.
Understanding the Call to Make Disciples and Share the Gospel with Others
Discipleship Defined
To make disciples is to guide others in becoming followers of Christ, teaching them to live according to His teachings and to grow in their faith. Discipleship is not merely about conversion but about nurturing a deep, transformative relationship with Jesus.
Baptism and Teaching
Baptism is a public declaration of faith and a symbol of the believer’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is the first step of obedience for a new disciple, marking their entrance into the community of believers.
Teaching is an ongoing process where the truths of the Bible and the lifestyle it prescribes are imparted to believers. This includes not only knowledge but the application of biblical principles in everyday life.
Reflecting on Our Role in Fulfilling the Great Commission and Living Out Jesus’ Mission Today
Personal Reflection
As modern-day followers of Christ, we must consider how the Great Commission applies to us. It is essential to reflect on our understanding of discipleship, our commitment to sharing the Gospel, and how we are living out the teachings of Jesus in our own lives.
The Role of the Church
The Church collectively has a significant role in fulfilling the Great Commission. It is through the Church that believers are equipped, supported, and sent out to make disciples. The Church serves as both the launching pad and the training ground for mission.
Practical Application
Fulfilling the Great Commission today can take many forms. It could mean going overseas as a missionary, supporting missions financially and prayerfully, or simply sharing the love and message of Jesus with neighbors and colleagues. Every believer has a part to play, whether it is in word, deed, or both.
The Challenge and the Opportunity
The challenge of the Great Commission lies in its vastness and the opposition that often comes with sharing the Gospel. Yet, it is also an opportunity for believers to participate in God’s redemptive work in the world, to be instruments through which others can come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Embrace the Great Commission!
The Great Commission is not just an ancient command but a living. It is a breathing mandate for all who call themselves followers of Jesus. It is a call to action that transcends time and culture, urging us to engage in the sacred task of making disciples. As we reflect on our role in this divine mission, let us be encouraged by Jesus’ promise to be with us always, empowering us to carry His message to the ends of the earth. Let us embrace the Great Commission with renewed commitment, understanding that through it, we are invited to be a part of something eternal and transformative, not just for others, but for ourselves as well.