The Great Commission is a term used by Christians to describe the instruction that Jesus gave to his disciples in Matthew 28:18-20. In this passage, Jesus tells his followers to 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 he has commanded them.
The Great Commission is an important part of Christian theology and is often used as a basis for missionary work and evangelism. It is seen as a call to share the message of the Gospel with the world and to bring people into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
The Great Commission is not just a command given to the disciples who were present at the time, but is something that all Christians are called to participate in. It is a call to action that is just as relevant today as it was when Jesus first spoke these words.
In order to fully understand the Great Commission, it is important to look at each part of it in detail.
“Go and make disciples of all nations”
The first part of the Great Commission is a call to action. Jesus tells his followers to go and make disciples of all nations. This means that Christians are not to keep the message of the Gospel to themselves, but are to actively share it with others.
The phrase “all nations” is significant because it shows that the message of the Gospel is for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, or cultural background. The Gospel is a message of hope and salvation that is meant to be shared with the entire world.
“Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”
The second part of the Great Commission is a call to baptism. Baptism is a symbol of the new life that a person has in Christ. It is a public declaration of faith that shows that a person has been cleansed from their sins and has entered into a new relationship with God.
The phrase “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” is significant because it shows that baptism is a Trinitarian act. It is an act that represents the unity of the Godhead and the believer’s relationship with each person of the Trinity.
“Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you”
The final part of the Great Commission is a call to discipleship. Jesus tells his followers to teach new believers to obey everything he has commanded them. This means that Christians are not only to share the message of the Gospel, but are also to disciple new believers and help them grow in their relationship with God.
Discipleship is an ongoing process that involves teaching, training, and mentoring. It is a call to invest in the lives of others and to help them become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
The Great Commission is not just a call to evangelism, but is a call to holistic mission. It is a call to share the message of the Gospel with the world, to baptize new believers, and to disciple them in their faith.
As Christians, we are all called to participate in the Great Commission. This means that we are all called to share the message of the Gospel with others, to baptize new believers, and to disciple them in their faith.
We can participate in the Great Commission in a variety of ways. We can share the message of the Gospel with our friends, family, and coworkers. We can volunteer with local ministries or organizations that are focused on evangelism and discipleship. We can support missionaries and ministries that are focused on sharing the Gospel with people around the world.
The Great Commission is a call to action that requires us to step out of our comfort zones and to share the message of the Gospel with others. It is a call to be bold and courageous in sharing our faith, even in the face of opposition or adversity.
At the same time, the Great Commission is also a call to love. Jesus tells his followers to make disciples, to baptize them, and to teach them to obey everything he has commanded. But he also tells them to do this in love.
As Christians, we are called to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This means that we are to share the message of the Gospel with others in a way that is respectful, compassionate, and caring. We are to seek to understand their needs and their struggles, and to offer them the hope and love that can only be found in Jesus Christ.
The Great Commission is not just about evangelism and discipleship, but is also about justice and mercy. It is a call to serve others and to meet their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. It is a call to work for a world that reflects the love and justice of God.
As we seek to participate in the Great Commission, we must remember that we are not alone. Jesus tells his followers in Matthew 28:20, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The Holy Spirit empowers us and guides us as we seek to share the message of the Gospel with others. And we are part of a global community of believers who are all working together to fulfill the Great Commission.
In conclusion, the Great Commission is a call to action, to baptism, and to discipleship. It is a call to share the message of the Gospel with the world, to baptize new believers, and to disciple them in their faith. It is also a call to love, justice, and mercy. As Christians, we are all called to participate in the Great Commission and to work together to bring the message of the Gospel to the ends of the earth.