What is the Great Commission?
Perhaps you’ve heard this phrase before? The words “Great Commission” aren’t actually in scripture, but it’s the title we give to a very special statement that Jesus gave the disciples. But what is the great commission, and what does it mean for Christians today?
The Great Commission refers to the mission that Jesus entrusted to his followers. Understanding this mission allows us to see what our purpose is as Christians and gives us a beautiful glimpse of who Jesus is and what he wants for humanity.
What is the Great Commission?
The Great Commission is found in the New Testament, specifically at the very end of the Gospel of Matthew. In this passage, Jesus, after his resurrection and before he ascended into heaven, addressed his disciples with the following words:
“Then Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ ”
Supporting Biblical Accounts
However, this is not the only place in scripture that Jesus is recorded as issuing the Great Commission. In fact, all four gospel writers documented similar statements that Jesus made before he ascended into heaven, and Luke documented it again in the book of Acts:
Mark 16:15-20: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Luke 24:47-49: “and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”
John 20:21: “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
Acts 1:8: “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.”
Understanding the Great Commission
The fact that all gospel writers recorded this event is critical — the Great Commission is important! So, let’s understand it fully.
A Declaration: "All Authority"
Jesus’ Great Commission begins with a powerful declaration: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."
This statement emphasizes Jesus' supreme authority and sovereignty. By declaring his authority, we understand that he is worthy of obedience and reverence. This authority is not limited to spiritual realms but encompasses all of creation.
By stating his authority before the commission, we know that the instructions to follow are not mere suggestions but commands issued by the one who holds ultimate authority.
A Command: "Make Disciples"
Central to the Great Commission is the command to baptize others and "make disciples." But what does it mean to make disciples? This goes beyond simple conversion, and it involves nurturing and guiding people in their spiritual journey to become committed followers of Christ.
The good news is that Jesus' own ministry provides a model for making disciples. We can look at how he made his disciples to see several key elements:
Loving: Jesus' ministry was marked by compassion and love. Demonstrating love and care is essential in disciple-making.
Building Relationships: Just as Jesus formed close bonds with his disciples, Christians are called to build genuine, supportive relationships with others.
Teaching: Jesus spent much of his ministry teaching his followers about God's kingdom. Similarly, making disciples involves educating others about the teachings of Jesus and the principles of Christian faith.
Empowering: Jesus empowered his disciples, giving them the authority to preach, heal, and carry out his mission. Empowering others to grow in their faith and take on the Great Commission themselves is a critical aspect of making disciples.
By following this model, we can effectively fulfill the Great Commission, helping others grow in their faith and become dedicated followers of Christ!
A Promise: "I Am With You Always"
Spreading the gospel isn’t easy. We risk rejection, mockery, and even violence in some regions when we take the truth into the world. Jesus knows this, and that’s why his command concludes with a wonderful promise: "I am with you always, to the end of the age."
This assurance from Jesus gives us the comfort and encouragement we need to undertake the mission of spreading the gospel. It tells us that we are not alone in our efforts — Jesus' presence, wisdom, and grace go with us.
Christian History… and Today
Over the centuries, the Great Commission has been a driving force behind Christian missionary work and evangelism. Starting at Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, Peter delivered the message of salvation and “those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41)
And it didn’t stop there. The Great Commission has inspired countless people and movements to spread the Christian faith, establish churches, and promote spiritual growth. The mandate to "go and make disciples of all nations" has led to the global expansion of Christianity, influencing cultures and societies worldwide and throughout history.
Do you want to be part of that spiritual legacy? How will you fulfill the Great Commission today?