The Great Commission

What is the “Great Commission“?

The Great Commission represents the command Jesus gave to His disciples shortly before He ascended back into heaven. It is found in Matthew 28:19-20 and states: 

“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.”

A couple clarifying points about the Great Commission:

• it applies to all believers (followers of Jesus) today, yesterday, and in the future

• it is a command and not a suggestion (it’s the “Great Commission” and not the “Great Suggestion”)

• we make disciples by “going”, “baptizing”, and “teaching” others

• it applies both locally and globally

Acts 1:8 is considered another verse related to the Great Commission. Acts 1:8 states:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

This verse tells us that believers are enabled to perform the Great Commission by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit that indwells them. In other words, as believers, followers, and witnesses of Jesus, we are equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit to “go”, “baptize”, and “teach” in our:

• cities (Jerusalem)

• states and countries (Judea and Samaria)

• anywhere God sends us (to the ends of the earth)

Another popular and related Great Commission Bible verse is Matthew 4:19 which states:

“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

It’s important to note that our role in the Great Commission is simply to help “catch” men (by sharing the gospel message), but it is God who supernaturally “cleans” men (by wiping away all their sins and giving them a new heart and a new spirit).

In summary, as believers we are ambassadors for Christ by sharing the gospel and helping reconcile mankind back to God.

“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:18-20)

It’s important to note that God’s gospel has not reached its final destination if someone in your family, workplace, school, friend group, or community has not heard the good news about Jesus. Make sure that you are contributing in some way to the spreading of God’s wonderful salvation message.