The Great Commission
In Matthew 28, just after Jesus had risen and defeated death, 11 disciples go to a mountain in Galilee where Jesus had told them to go (Matthew 28:10). There, they saw him for the first time since his death on the cross. On this mountain, Jesus commissions his disciples, saying, “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.” This is known as The Great Commission. To believers, this moment in history holds so much significance. It is a call to action, a direct instruction given by Jesus Christ to his disciples before his ascension into heaven. The Great Commission serves as a guiding principle for us, urging us to go forth into the world and the people around us, share the Gospel, and make disciples of all nations. It is such a powerful reminder of our responsibility as followers of Christ to actively participate in spreading the Good News!!
When you dive into this scripture, you can see that the two major aspects of the Great Commission are evangelism and discipleship. Evangelism involves proclaiming the Gospel, sharing the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, and inviting others to experience the love and grace of God. Discipleship, on the other hand, involves nurturing and teaching new believers, helping them grow in their faith, and equipping them to become followers of Jesus themselves.
Something I find so encouraging is that the Great Commission is universal! No boundaries, no limits. Jesus instructs his disciples to go and make disciples of ALL nations. This emphasizes that the Gospel is not confined to a specific people group or place. It goes beyond cultures, languages, and ethnicities. The message of salvation is meant for everyone, regardless of their background or social status. It is a call to reach out to the farthest corners of the earth, ensuring that no one is left untouched by the transformative power of the Gospel.
So, how do we live this out in today’s world? As Christians living in the 21st century, we are heirs to the Great Commission. It’s not merely a thing of the past, but a living commandment that still resonates with and challenges us today. Though the world has changed significantly since Jesus walked the earth, our job to spread the Good News remains constant. We will never lose that calling. We have been entrusted with the responsibility to carry the torch of faith and continue the work initiated by Jesus and his disciples. In our world today, technology has become prevalent and available to so many. Though technology and social media can have negative effects, it also has opened up new avenues for fulfilling the Great Commission. We have access to tools and resources that can help us reach people in remote areas, connect with diverse cultures, and communicate the Gospel effectively. Social media platforms, online communities, and digital resources enable us to engage with individuals who might have otherwise been out of our reach. What a beautiful way to steward the things we have been given!
However, it’s important to remember that the Great Commission is not solely about preaching with your words. It’s about embodying the love and teachings of Christ in our daily lives. Our actions, attitudes, and interactions with others should reflect the transformative power of the Gospel. By demonstrating compassion, kindness, and forgiveness, we become living testimonies of God's grace and draw others to Him. We are to live like Christ!
The Great Commission is a call to action for Christians worldwide. Is it always going to be easy? Honestly, no! We might be rejected and persecuted, but God calls us blessed when we experience those things because our identity and value is in HIM, not our earthly bodies or accomplishments. This is a challenge for us to step out of our comfort zones, overcome fears and barriers, and share the Good News with those around us. By embracing the Great Commission, we get to become part of something that is so much bigger than ourselves. We become ambassadors of Christ! And that should be our greatest joy and what we seek after. As we walk in obedience to this call, let us remember that we are not alone in this journey. The Holy Spirit empowers and guides us. You were made for this!
Challenges:
Equip yourself. Yes, the Great Commission is something we are all called to do as believers, and I truly believe God fully equips us for it. But it’s also very important that we take the time to read, learn, and know what we believe and why. Then we can go out with confidence and share the Good News.
Say yes. I know it can feel intimidating to go up to someone and tell them about Jesus. But I want to challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and start with at least one conversation. You never know what’s on the other side of your “yes.”
Journal. This might seem silly, but I think it’s really cool and encouraging to write down the stories and things you’ve experience from sharing the Gospel with people around you and then one day you will be able to look back and see all that God has done!
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for today and all the blessings that have come with it. I pray over every person reading this, whether they’re having a good day or a hard day, that they would feel your nearness, God. Thank you for the good news of the Gospel and what that means for us as believers. That one day we will be reconciled with you again in Heaven for eternity. I pray that we would continue to walk in our purpose and the calling you have placed on our lives. May we walk boldly in our faith and spread the Gospel with the world around us! And may we give you the glory, honor, and praise in all that we do. In Jesus’ name! Amen!