In our last post, we explored the importance of evangelism and why it matters. This week, we delve into the foundation of evangelism—the Great Commission. This directive from Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian mission and purpose. Understanding the Great Commission and its implications is crucial for every believer. Let’s unpack what the Great Commission entails, its context, and its ongoing relevance for us today.
What is the Great Commission?
The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus gives His final instructions to His disciples before ascending to heaven:
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘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.’“
Matthew 28:18-20
This passage highlights several key components:
1. Authority of Jesus
2. Command to ‘Go’
3. Making Disciples
4. Baptism
5. Teaching Obedience
6. Promise of Jesus’ Presence
Understanding the Context
To fully appreciate the Great Commission, we need to understand its context. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples multiple times over a period of 40 days. These appearances were marked by teaching, encouragement, and preparation for their future mission.
In Matthew 28, Jesus meets His disciples on a mountain in Galilee. This setting is significant because mountains in the Bible often symbolize moments of divine revelation and authority. Think of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai or Jesus’ transfiguration on a high mountain. By choosing this location, Jesus underscores the importance and solemnity of His message.
The Authority of Jesus
The Great Commission begins with a declaration of Jesus’ authority:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” – Matthew 28:18
This statement is foundational. Jesus’ authority is comprehensive, encompassing both the spiritual and physical realms. This authority is derived from His victory over sin and death through His resurrection. It is on the basis of this authority that Jesus commissions His disciples.
Understanding Jesus’ authority is crucial because it assures us that the mission is not dependent on our strength or wisdom. When we engage in evangelism, we do so under the authority of the risen Christ, who reigns supreme over all creation.
The Command to Go
Jesus’ command to “go” is an imperative, not a suggestion. It requires intentional action and movement. This command challenges the notion of passive Christianity. Believers are called to actively engage in the mission of spreading the gospel.
The word “go” implies crossing boundaries—cultural, geographical, and social. It involves stepping out of our comfort zones and reaching out to those who have not yet heard the good news. The scope of this mission is global, encompassing “all nations.” You can take note of the scope of the field also in Acts 1:8 – where it concludes with the ends of the earth.
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NKJV
Making Disciples
At the heart of the Great Commission is the call to make disciples. A disciple is a follower or learner. Making disciples involves more than just converting individuals; it includes nurturing and guiding them to maturity in their faith.
Discipleship is a lifelong process. It requires teaching, mentoring, and modelling the Christian life. The modelling aspect is very important as it is not enough to teach by words but by actions. Checkout 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (the Paul’s example) and Acts 1:1 (The Jesus example)
For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. 1 Thessalonians 1:5
The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach
Acts 1:1
As disciples grow in their faith, they, in turn, become disciple-makers, perpetuating the cycle of spiritual multiplication.
Baptism
Jesus instructs His disciples to baptize new believers “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Baptism is a public declaration of faith and identification with the triune God. It symbolizes the believer’s union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. You can read Romans 6:3-11 for a breakdown of what happens in baptism.
Baptism is not just a ritual; it is an integral part of the discipleship process. It marks the beginning of the believer’s new life in Christ and their incorporation into the community of faith.
Teaching Obedience
Teaching is a crucial component of the Great Commission. Jesus commands His disciples to teach new believers “to obey everything I have commanded you.” This teaching involves imparting knowledge, but it goes beyond that—it encompasses guiding believers to live out their faith in obedience to Christ’s commands.
Obedience to Jesus’ teachings is evidence of genuine discipleship. It involves a commitment to live according to His will and to grow in holiness and Christlikeness. Teaching obedience requires patience, persistence, and a deep understanding of Scripture.
The Promise of Jesus’ Presence
The Great Commission concludes with a powerful promise:
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20
This promise is a source of immense comfort and encouragement. Jesus assures His disciples that they will not be alone in their mission. His presence will accompany them, empowering and guiding them as they carry out His mandate.
This promise is not limited to the original disciples; it extends to all believers throughout history. The presence of Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, is with us today as we engage in the work of evangelism. Evangelize with the consciousness that Jesus Christ is with you.
Relevance for Today
The Great Commission is as relevant today as it was when Jesus first spoke it. Here are some reasons why:
1. The Mission is Unfinished
“Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the labourers are few.” – Matthew 9:37
Despite the advances in global evangelism, there are still billions of people who have not heard the gospel. The mission field remains vast, and the need for evangelism is urgent. The Great Commission compels us to reach out to these unreached populations with the message of Jesus.
2. Cultural Diversity
Our world is increasingly multicultural and interconnected. This presents unique opportunities for evangelism. The Great Commission’s call to “all nations” resonates in a world where people from diverse backgrounds and cultures are within our reach. We are called to embrace this diversity and share the gospel across cultural boundaries.
3. Technological Advancements
Technology has revolutionized the way we communicate and connect. The internet, social media, and other digital platforms provide unprecedented opportunities to spread the gospel. The Great Commission challenges us to harness these tools for evangelism, reaching people in ways that were previously unimaginable. In a future post, we will consider 7 quick ways to evangelize in the age of technology.
4. Personal Growth
Engaging in evangelism is not just about impacting others; it also leads to personal spiritual growth. Sharing our faith deepens our understanding of the gospel, strengthens our relationship with Christ, and enhances our reliance on the Holy Spirit. The Great Commission is an invitation to grow in our own discipleship as we make disciples. As a vessel, used by God to prepare the various posts on this platform it has been and continue to be a great privilege to know and do more as I discover the treasures in the Word of God. Evangelism is a personal growth enabler.
Practical Steps to Fulfill the Great Commission
1. Pray for Guidance and Boldness
Prayer is essential in fulfilling the Great Commission. Ask God to guide you to opportunities to share the gospel and to give you the boldness to speak. Ephesians 6:19-20 is a great prayer to adopt:
“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”
Ephesians 6:19-20
2. Build Relationships
Evangelism is most effective within the context of genuine relationships. Invest time in building relationships with people in your community, workplace, and social circles. Show them the love of Christ through your actions and be ready to share the gospel when opportunities arise.
3. Share Your Testimony
Your personal story of how you came to faith in Christ is a powerful tool in evangelism. It is unique to you and can resonate with others in ways that theological arguments might not. Be prepared to share your testimony and how Jesus has transformed your life. I recently recorded a short video of my testimony and will share it shortly as an example.
4. Use Resources
There are many resources available to help you share the gospel effectively. Tracts, books, videos, and online tools can provide useful frameworks and conversation starters. Equip yourself with resources that align with your style and context. Visit our Resource page for tools you can equip yourself and your team with.
5. Join Evangelism Efforts
Get involved in evangelism efforts through your church or local community. Many churches have evangelism teams or outreach programs that provide training and opportunities to share the gospel. Joining these efforts can provide support, accountability, and encouragement.
6. Leverage Technology
Use technology to reach people with the gospel. Social media, blogs, podcasts, and videos are powerful platforms to share the message of Jesus. Be creative and intentional in using these tools to spread the gospel. For example, the YouVersion bible app allows you to share the verse of the day directly on social media. You can even make the image of the verse you “status” on WhatsApp, the popular messaging app. There are many others which we will bring to you in the future.
7. Disciple New Believers
Making disciples doesn’t end with conversion; it involves nurturing and guiding new believers in their faith. Invest time to disciple others, teaching them to obey Jesus’ commands, and helping them grow in their relationship with Christ.
Take Away
The Great Commission is Jesus’ mandate to His disciples and to all believers throughout history. It is a call to go, make disciples, baptize, and teach obedience. It is a mission that reflects the authority of Jesus, the heart of God, and the power of the gospel. It is a mission that has eternal implications.
As we embrace the Great Commission, we participate in God’s redemptive plan for the world. We become instruments of His grace, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and inviting others to experience the transformative power of the gospel.
Let us commit ourselves to this mission with passion, dedication, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Let us remember Jesus’ promise that He is with us always, to the very end of the age. And let us go forth as faithful witnesses of His love and truth.
Next Steps
Join us next week as we explore “Understanding the Gospel: What Is the Good News?” We’ll break down the core message of the gospel and how to communicate it effectively. Until then, may you be filled with the boldness and joy of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
Thank you for reading. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on the Great Commission, please leave a comment below. Let’s continue this journey together!
