One who is commissioned is directed and given authority to complete a specific duty. At times commissions are given with payment in the expectation that for a certain amount of money, a duty will be fulfilled. As fully devoted followers of Jesus, you and I have been commissioned by God with the price paid by Jesus on the cross. We see this expressed in Matthew 28:18-20 in a passage often called The Great Commission. This passage serves as the cornerstone for mission conferences and commissioning services that send missionaries abroad. However, this passage holds a wider significance. It’s not a call reserved for a select few; it’s a message for every believer. The responsibility of making disciples extends far beyond those who travel overseas – it’s a daily practice for all who follow Jesus.
As Jesus prepares to depart from His disciples, He emphasizes His divinely bestowed authority – “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This authority isn’t self-proclaimed; it’s earned through sacrifice and overcoming death itself. Jesus then commissions His followers, not out of obligation but because of His ultimate power.
The core message is the transformation from being a follower to actively making disciples. It’s a shift from solely learning from Jesus to embodying His teachings and inspiring others to do the same. This isn’t a one-time event; it’s a continuous process of learning, living, and sharing the message of Jesus.
The call extends beyond geographical or cultural boundaries. “All nations” signifies reaching people from every ethnicity and background. This requires intentionality and a willingness to “go” – whether across the street or around the world – to bridge cultural divides and share the message with those who don’t know Jesus in a transformational way. The “go” in this passage isn’t just to get us moving. It may be better translated as “You are going.” The implication is that as believers we should be on the move through our lives in an intentional way in which we are making disciples. There are several discipleship components in this passage in addition to going.
Baptism isn’t just a symbolic ritual. It represents identifying with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. It’s a public declaration of faith, a symbol of new life, and a commitment to living according to Jesus’ teachings. Disciples shouldn’t just be dunked underwater, but they should live a new life because they have identified with Jesus in His death.
The commission emphasizes “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” This obedience isn’t a rigid set of rules but a commitment to actively learning and applying Jesus’ teachings in our daily lives. It’s a continuous process of growth and transformation guided by the Holy Spirit.
Though Jesus physically departs, He offers a powerful promise: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This signifies His constant presence, not limited by time or space. He empowers and encourages us throughout our journey of making disciples.
The Great Commission challenges us to consider the following:
- Who are going to? Or maybe better, as you are going, who are bringing along with you?
- Who is discipling us, and who are we discipling?
- How can we effectively share the message of Jesus with others?
By embracing the Great Commission, we become active participants in fulfilling Jesus’ mission and building a community of faith that transcends borders and cultures.
Do you want to grow as a disciple and grow in your ability to disciple? Join one of our Wednesday Night Alive classes.
Want to learn more about missions work around the world? Register for “What in the World is God Doing?” on April 21st.
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