Exploring The Great Commission

Lessons from Matthew 28:18-20

Source

Jesus’ final words to His disciples, recorded in Matthew 28:18-20, are not merely a farewell but a divine mandate. Often called The Great Commission, these verses contain Jesus’ call for His followers to participate in God’s redemptive mission. Each word carries a depth of meaning that, when meditated upon, stirs the heart toward obedience and faithfulness.

“Go” – A Call to Movement

Jesus begins with the simple yet powerful command: “Go.” This is not a passive calling but an urgent summons to action. The Greek word here, “poreuomai”, implies continuous movement, not a one-time journey. The Great Commission is not fulfilled by waiting for people to come to us; it demands that we step out of our comfort zones and take the message of Christ to the world. As disciples, we are sent ones, compelled by love to move toward those who have yet to hear the gospel.

“Make Disciples” – More Than Conversion

The heart of the Great Commission lies in the command “make disciples” (Greek: “mathēteuō”). This word means far more than making converts; it implies a lifelong process of learning and following Christ. True discipleship is not simply a moment of decision but a journey of transformation. Jesus calls us to walk alongside others, teaching, guiding, and modeling what it means to live as His followers. Making disciples requires patience, investment, and a willingness to nurture faith in others.

“Of All Nations” – The Global Scope

Jesus makes it clear that the gospel is for “all nations” (Greek: “ethnē”). This includes every people group, every culture, and every language. The kingdom of God transcends all earthly divisions. The early disciples, who were primarily Jewish, had to grasp that the gospel was not just for them but for the whole world. Today, we are called to continue that mission, carrying the light of Christ to those who have never heard His name.

“Baptizing Them” – A Mark of Identification

Baptism is more than a ritual; it is a public declaration of faith and allegiance to Christ. Jesus commands His disciples to baptize “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” This Trinitarian formula signifies the full authority of God and the believer’s entry into the divine fellowship. Baptism represents dying to the old self and rising to new life in Christ, a visible sign of an inward transformation.

“Teaching Them” – The Call to Ongoing Instruction

Jesus does not commission us merely to teach information, but to “teach them to obey” all that He has commanded. Biblical teaching is not just intellectual; it is deeply transformational. To obey Christ’s teachings means to live them out daily, to let His words shape our attitudes, decisions, and actions. Discipleship is incomplete without a commitment to continual learning and growth in the Word.

“I Am With You Always” – The Promise of Presence

Jesus ends His commission with a powerful promise: “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This assurance reminds us that we do not undertake this mission alone. The presence of Christ through the Holy Spirit empowers and sustains us. Whether in times of joy or hardship, we are never abandoned. His abiding presence gives us the courage to obey.

Conclusion

The Great Commission is not just a command for the original disciples but a calling for every believer. As we meditate on these words, may we be stirred to action, carrying the message of Christ to the ends of the earth, making disciples, and teaching them to walk in His ways. And as we go, may we find comfort in knowing that Jesus walks with us, strengthening and guiding us until the very end.

God bless you!