Matthew 28:16–20
In the final moments of His earthly ministry, Jesus entrusted His disciples with a mission that transcends time and culture—the Great Commission. These verses are not merely the conclusion of Matthew’s Gospel; they are the inception of the Church’s global mission.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19–20)
This passage unveils four profound truths about the mission entrusted to us:
• The Great Commission Is Not Optional — It Is a Command
Jesus’ directive is unequivocal: “Go therefore…” This imperative underscores the non-negotiable nature of the mission. As John Calvin notes, the authority to command such a global mission is rooted in Christ’s divine sovereignty:
“No ordinary authority would here have been enough, but sovereign and truly divine government ought to be possessed by him who commands them to promise eternal life in his name, to reduce the whole world under his sway, and to publish a doctrine which subdues all pride, and lays prostrate the whole of the human race.”
This command is not contingent upon convenience or personal preference; it is a divine mandate that calls every believer to active participation in God’s redemptive plan.
• The Great Commission has a clear message — Proclaim the Gospel
The core of the Great Commission is the proclamation of the gospel. Mark 16:15 emphasizes this mandate:
“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15)
The Apostle Paul succinctly defines this gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1–3:
“Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you… that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:1–3)
This message is not merely a set of ethical teachings but the proclamation of Christ’s atoning death and victorious resurrection. As A.W. Tozer profoundly states:
“The church that does not evangelize will fossilize.”
This underscores the imperative nature of gospel proclamation in the life of the Church.
• The Great Commission has a clear scope — All Nations
Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations signifies the universal scope of the gospel. John Wesley, in his commentary, emphasizes that this mission transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries:
“Disciple all nations — Make them my disciples. This includes the whole design of Christ’s commission.”
The gospel is not confined to a particular group but is intended for every tribe, tongue, and nation. This universal mission reflects God’s heart for all peoples and calls the Church to engage in global evangelism.
• The Great Commission has a clear goal — Make Disciples
The ultimate aim of the Great Commission is discipleship. Jesus commands His followers to teach others to observe all that He has commanded. This involves more than initial conversion; it encompasses the ongoing process of spiritual formation and obedience. As Billy Graham eloquently put it:
“The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.”
Discipleship is a lifelong journey of growing in Christlikeness and helping others do the same.
Conclusion: Empowered by His Presence
Jesus concludes the Great Commission with a promise:
“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
This assurance of Christ’s abiding presence empowers believers to fulfill the mission. As John Calvin affirms:
“The Lord promises his assistance not for a single age only, but even to the end of the world.”
The presence of Christ through the Holy Spirit equips the Church to overcome challenges and advance the gospel.
Reflection Questions:
- How are you personally engaging in the mission of making disciples?
- In what ways can your local church expand its outreach to all nations?
- What steps can you take to ensure that discipleship is a priority in your life and ministry?
