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Part 7
The Great Commission
The Great Commission is a significant event in the New Testament, specifically mentioned in Matthew 28:16-20 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. It describes Jesus' final instructions to his disciples before ascending to heaven.
"Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshiped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."
The Great Commission involves three key elements:
1. Authority and Power: Jesus declares that all authority has been given to him in heaven and on earth. This statement affirms his divinity and supreme authority over all creation, empowering the disciples to carry out their mission.
2. Commission to Teach and Baptize: Jesus commands his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. He instructs them to baptize new believers in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This commission includes both evangelism (proclaiming the good news) and discipleship (teaching and guiding believers in the ways of Christ).
3. Assurance of His Presence: Jesus assures his disciples that he will be with them always, even to the end of the age. This promise signifies his ongoing support, guidance, and presence through the Holy Spirit as they fulfill their mission.
The significance of the Great Commission is profound:
1. Spreading the Gospel: The Great Commission embodies the call to share the message of salvation, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the worldwide scope of the mission, encouraging believers to actively engage in evangelism and share the good news with people from all nations and cultures.
2. Making Disciples: The Commission highlights the need for discipleship, teaching new believers to observe and follow all that Jesus commanded. It points to the importance of nurturing spiritual growth, maturity, and obedience among followers of Christ.
3. Authority in Christ: Jesus' declaration of all authority given to him underscores his lordship over all creation and his redemptive work. It affirms believers' confidence in the power and authority of Jesus as they go forth in his name.
4. Continuous Presence: The assurance of Jesus' ongoing presence through the Holy Spirit provides comfort, encouragement, and empowerment to his disciples throughout history. It reminds believers that they are not alone in their mission but have the indwelling presence of Christ.
5. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The Great Commission fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 49:6, which speaks of God's servant being a light to the nations. By sharing the gospel globally, followers of Christ participate in the fulfillment of this ancient prophecy.
The Great Commission serves as a charge to all believers, calling them to actively participate in the spread of the gospel and the making of disciples. It highlights the authority of Christ, the importance of ongoing teaching and mentoring, and the promise of his presence in the lives of those who faithfully carry out his mission. Through the Great Commission, Christians are called to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing his love, grace, and truth with the world.
