The Great Commission: Our Call to Make Disciples of All Nations
When Jesus rose from the dead, He didnโt just offer comfortโHe gave a command. Before ascending into heaven, He left His disciples (and us) with a mission; that mission is known as the Great Commission.
It's not a suggestion. It's not a side project. It's the central purpose of the Church.
What Is the Great Commission?
We find the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18โ20:
โAll 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.โ
Jesus spoke these words with full authority and divine urgency. They are His final recorded instructions before ascending to heaven.
1. โGo and make disciplesโ
The command isnโt just to โgo.โ The actual imperative in the Greek is โmake disciples.โ The โgoโ is assumedโas you are going, make disciples. This could be across the world, or across the street.
Discipleship goes deeper than conversion. Itโs not just about praying a prayerโitโs about becoming a lifelong learner and follower of Jesus.
We can all be good disciples by studying the word and working to apply it more to our personal lives. This will have a chain reaction and may ready 1 or 1000 people but it starts with how we live our lives and the example we want to set.
2. โOf all nationsโ
The mission is global. Jesus doesnโt just send us to people like us. He calls us to reach every tribe, every language, every culture. This was radical at the timeโsalvation was being extended beyond Israel, to all humanity.
The gospel is for everyone. It is easy to say โthey donโt need thisโ or โthey wont listenโ. This is not up to you or I who is receptive or now.
Remember: God wrote you in the Book of life before all of creation. It is not our Job to convince.. it is our job to live fruitfully and share. God is responsible for who actually gets saved and who does not.
"At that time Michael shall stand, the great prince who protects your people. And there will be a time of distress, such as never has been, from the beginning of nations until that time. And at that time your people will be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book."
Daniel 12:1
3. โBaptizing themโ
Baptism is the public declaration of faith. It symbolizes death to the old self and rising into new life in Christ. Jesus includes this as part of the disciple-making processโitโs not optional.
To baptize is to welcome someone into the visible family of God.
4. โTeaching them to obey everything I have commanded youโ
Discipleship is a journey of obedience, not just knowledge. Itโs not just about what Jesus taughtโitโs about living it out.
Teaching people to follow Jesus includes modeling the life He lived. Love. Forgiveness. Truth. Holiness. Sacrifice.
5. โI am with you alwaysโ
This promise seals the mission with divine comfort. We are not alone in this work. Jesus doesnโt just send usโHe goes with us. His Spirit empowers us, His Word guides us, and His presence strengthens us.
Why the Great Commission Still Matters Today
In a world full of distractions, entertainment, self-promotion, and division, the Great Commission calls us back to the heart of our faith.
It reminds us:
The gospel is good news, meant to be shared.
Our purpose isnโt just survivalโitโs multiplication.
Evangelism and discipleship are not reserved for pastorsโthey're for all believers.
Jesus didnโt just call the qualifiedโHe qualifies the called.
Living the Great Commission
Pray for Boldness and Direction
Ask God to open your eyes to the opportunities around you. Who is He calling you to reach? Where is He sending you?
Invest in One
You donโt need a crowd. Start with one person. Meet for coffee. Read scripture together. Ask questions. Walk alongside someone in faith.
Live as a Witness
Your life should reflect the Jesus you preach. People are watching. Be honest, kind, faithful, and forgiving. Your life can speak louder than your words.
Share the Gospel Simply
You donโt need a theology degree. Just share what Jesus has done in your life. Use your story. Keep it real. Keep it Christ-centered.
Multiply Through Mentorship
As you grow, teach others to grow. Help others disciple new believers. Teach them not just what to believe, but how to follow Jesus. Thatโs how movements startโone disciple at a time.
Final Thought
The Great Commission isnโt about building your platformโitโs about building Godโs Kingdom. Itโs not about doing big things somedayโitโs about doing faithful things today.