The Great Commission refers to Jesus’ command to His disciples to spread the gospel, baptize believers, and teach them to observe His teachings. It underscores the mission of the Church to make disciples of all nations, emphasizing the importance of evangelism and spiritual growth.
Scripture
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Understanding the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)
The Great Commission, as articulated in Matthew 28:16-20, encapsulates the divine mandate for Christian discipleship, emphasizing the universal scope of Jesus’ mission. In this pivotal moment, Jesus instructs His followers to go “therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), signaling that the gospel is not confined to a specific region or people but is intended for every corner of the earth. This command aligns with the prophetic vision found in Isaiah 49:6, where Israel is called to be a light to the nations. The directive to “baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” implies a call to sacramental initiation into the life of faith, while the teaching aspect underscores the commitment to nurturing spiritual maturity and ethical living in accordance with Christ’s teachings (Matthew 28:20).
The broader significance of the Great Commission extends beyond mere instruction; it is a culmination of Jesus’ earthly ministry and a launching point for the mission of the Church. The promise “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20) reassures believers of Christ’s continual presence and guidance, echoing God’s enduring covenant relationship with His people (e.g., see Matthew 1:23). This presence empowers the Church to confront the challenges of evangelism and discipleship across cultures and generations, fulfilling the command to witness as found in Acts 1:8. The Great Commission thus serves as both a charge to action and a source of comfort, inspiring believers to engage in the transformative work of spreading the gospel and fostering communities of faith that reflect Christ’s love and teachings.
The Great Commission represents not only a directive for missionary work but also emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel. It calls upon believers to engage actively with the world, recognizing that the message of Jesus has the capacity to transcend cultural, social, and geographical barriers. This reflects the promise of spiritual empowerment, as the followers of Christ are not only tasked with sharing the good news but are also entrusted with the profound responsibility of shaping lives in accordance with Christ’s teachings. The directive illustrates a paradigm shift from being an insular community to becoming a beacon of hope and love, reinforcing the idea that the Church’s mission is to reflect God’s inclusive nature by welcoming all individuals into the fold.
Moreover, the Great Commission is a foundation for Christian ecclesiology, shaping the identity and mission of the Church from its inception. It invites the Church to mirror Jesus’ ministry, emphasizing service, compassion, and community building. By highlighting the need for teaching and baptizing, this mandate catalyzes the formation of disciples who can carry forward the teachings of Christ, ensuring continuity across generations. The call to discipleship is significant; it indicates that faith is not merely an individual or passive endeavor but an active commitment to living out and sharing the principles of the Kingdom of God. This holistic view of Christian life encompasses both personal devotion and communal responsibility, inviting believers to cultivate a faith that actively participates in shaping society towards justice, peace, and reconciliation, resonating with the overarching theme of God’s redemptive plan for all humanity.
The Call to Discipleship
The Great Commission emphasizes the importance of making disciples, which involves not only evangelism but also nurturing and mentoring new believers in their faith. This call to discipleship signifies a transformative journey where individuals are encouraged to grow in their understanding of God’s teachings and to live out their faith in practical ways. It highlights the responsibility of existing believers to guide others, fostering a community of faith that is rooted in love, support, and shared mission.
The Universal Scope of the Gospel
Another significant meaning of the Great Commission is its universal scope, indicating that the message of Jesus is intended for all nations and peoples. This inclusivity reflects God’s desire for salvation to reach every corner of the earth, breaking down barriers of ethnicity, culture, and social status. The call to go forth and make disciples of all nations underscores the global mission of the church, reminding believers that their faith is not confined to a specific group but is meant to be shared with everyone, everywhere.
The Assurance of Divine Presence
The Great Commission also conveys a profound assurance of God’s presence with His followers as they undertake the mission. This promise serves as a source of comfort and strength for believers, affirming that they are not alone in their efforts to spread the gospel. The assurance of divine presence empowers Christians to engage in their mission with confidence, knowing that they are supported by God’s guidance and strength, which is essential for overcoming challenges and fulfilling their calling.
How to Cultivate a Stronger Christian Faith and Practice
Cultivating a stronger Christian faith and practice is a deeply personal journey that requires intentionality and openness to God’s guidance. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture; the Bible is not just a book but a living testament that speaks to our hearts and challenges us to grow. Set aside time each day for prayer, not just as a routine but as a heartfelt conversation with God, where you can express your joys, fears, and desires. Engage with your community—join a small group or volunteer at your church, as fellowship with other believers can provide support and accountability. Remember, faith is not a destination but a journey; embrace the ups and downs, and be patient with yourself as you seek to deepen your relationship with Christ. Finally, practice gratitude and service, as these acts can transform your perspective and draw you closer to the heart of God.
Bible References to the Great Commission:
Mark 16:14-20: 14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.
15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.
Luke 24:44-49: 44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,
46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,
47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
48 You are witnesses of these things.
49 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.
John 20:19-23: 19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
20 Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
Acts 1:6-11: 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,
11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Romans 10:13-15: 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
2 Corinthians 5:18-20: 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
Ephesians 3:7-12: 7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power.
8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things,
so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,
12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.
Colossians 1:25-29: 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,
26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.
27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
1 Peter 2:9-10: 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.