The Great Commission: A Call to All Believers
In Matthew 28:16-20, we find one of the most powerful moments in Scripture: the Great Commission. It’s a passage that has inspired countless believers throughout history to step out in faith, share the Gospel, and make disciples of all nations. These words were spoken by Jesus after His resurrection, a moment when hope conquered death and light pierced the darkness. Let’s take a closer look at this incredible mandate and what it means for us today.
The Setting: A Meeting on the Mountain
Imagine the scene: the eleven disciples, still grappling with the reality of the resurrection, gather on a mountain in Galilee as Jesus had instructed them. They worshiped Him, but some doubted (Matthew 28:17). It’s comforting to know that even in their worship, these disciples—ordinary men like you and me—wrestled with doubts. And yet, Jesus didn’t rebuke them. Instead, He entrusted them with the most important mission of all time.
The Command: Make Disciples of All Nations
In verses 18-20, Jesus declares:
"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.”
This wasn’t just a task for the disciples; it’s a mission for every believer. Jesus commands us to go—not to stay comfortable, not to wait for others to act, but to go into the world and share the love and truth of Christ.
The Heart of the Great Commission
At its core, the Great Commission is about love—God’s love for the world and our love for others. It’s a call to make disciples, not converts. A disciple is someone who grows in faith, learns to obey Jesus, and in turn, shares the Gospel with others. This means walking alongside people in their journey, being patient, and showing grace, just as God has done for us.
The Power Behind the Mission
Jesus doesn’t send us out alone. He begins by reminding us of His authority: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” With this authority, we have the assurance that nothing is beyond His control.
And then comes one of the most comforting promises in Scripture: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus is with us every step of the way. When we feel unqualified, when we face rejection, or when we feel overwhelmed, we can trust that He is there, guiding and empowering us.
Living Out the Great Commission
You don’t have to be a missionary in a faraway land to live out the Great Commission. It starts in your home, your neighborhood, your workplace. It’s in how you treat others, how you share your testimony, and how you reflect Christ in your daily life.
Think of the people God has placed in your life. Who can you encourage today? Who needs to hear about the hope and salvation found in Jesus? The Great Commission reminds us that our faith isn’t meant to be kept to ourselves. It’s a light that must shine for all to see.
A Mission Worth Pursuing
The Great Commission is a reminder that we are part of something far greater than ourselves. It’s a call to partner with God in His redemptive work, to share the message of grace, and to bring hope to a broken world.
As you reflect on Matthew 28, remember that Jesus has equipped you for this mission. You don’t have to be perfect or have all the answers. You just have to be willing. The same Jesus who gave this command is the one who walks with you, every step of the way, until the very end.
Are you ready to say “yes” to the Great Commission?