The Great Commission is Jesus’ final instruction to His followers to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. This command calls us to share the good news, baptise believers, and teach them to follow Jesus’ teachings.
The Great Commission is not just a directive for a select few; it is a mission for every believer. Understanding and living out this call strengthens our faith, brings purpose to our lives, and expands God’s Kingdom on earth. This guide explores the core components of the Great Commission, its significance for believers, and how we can effectively live out this call with the guidance of Scripture.
What is the Great Commission?
The Great Commission is Jesus’ call to His followers to spread the gospel, make disciples, and build His Kingdom. This directive is recorded in the book of Matthew:
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
The Great Commission encompasses spreading the gospel, helping others grow in faith, and following Christ’s example in word and deed.
Key Elements of the Great Commission
1. Go into All the World
Jesus calls us to go beyond our comfort zones and engage with people everywhere. The Great Commission invites us to bring the message of Christ to all nations, cultures, and backgrounds:
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)
2. Make Disciples of All Nations
Making disciples involves more than just sharing the gospel; it requires nurturing and guiding people in their spiritual journey. We are called to help others grow in their faith, supporting them as they follow Jesus:
“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2)
3. Baptise in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Baptism is an outward expression of faith and an act of obedience. Through baptism, believers publicly declare their commitment to Christ, symbolising their new life in Him:
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41)
4. Teach Obedience to Christ’s Commands
The Great Commission includes teaching believers to follow Jesus’ teachings. This means not only understanding Christ’s words but applying them in daily life:
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
5. Rely on God’s Presence and Power
Jesus assures us that we are not alone in this mission; He promises to be with us always. His presence empowers us to overcome challenges as we fulfill His calling:
“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)
Why is the Great Commission Important?
1. It’s Jesus’ Final Command to Believers
The Great Commission is one of Jesus’ last instructions, underscoring its significance for all who follow Him. As disciples, we are entrusted with the mission of sharing the gospel:
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me… unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
2. It’s Central to the Purpose of the Church
The Church exists to glorify God and advance His Kingdom. The Great Commission guides the Church in fulfilling this purpose, focusing on reaching, teaching, and transforming lives:
“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” (Acts 5:42)
3. It Brings Spiritual Growth and Fulfillment
Engaging in the Great Commission deepens our relationship with God, helping us grow in faith, compassion, and purpose as we witness His work in the lives of others:
“And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:47)
4. It Demonstrates God’s Love for Humanity
Sharing the gospel is an act of love, revealing God’s desire for every person to experience salvation and fellowship with Him:
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise… but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
5. It is a Call to Serve and Love Others
The Great Commission encourages us to put others first, serving them in love as we share the good news and help them grow in faith:
“Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
How to Live Out the Great Commission
1. Pray for Boldness and Wisdom
Praying for boldness and wisdom enables us to share the gospel confidently and wisely. The Holy Spirit empowers us to communicate effectively, no matter the audience:
“Praying always… and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.” (Ephesians 6:18-19)
2. Build Relationships and Show Christ’s Love
Building genuine relationships creates opportunities to share the gospel. People are more open to hearing about Jesus when they experience His love through our actions:
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)
3. Share the Gospel with Clarity and Compassion
When sharing the gospel, focus on clarity and compassion. Our message should reflect Jesus’ love and the simplicity of the gospel, making it accessible and welcoming:
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15)
4. Equip and Disciple New Believers
Living out the Great Commission means helping new believers grow in faith. Discipleship involves teaching, encouraging, and supporting them as they follow Jesus:
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:20)
5. Trust in God’s Power to Transform Lives
Our role is to faithfully share the gospel, trusting that God will work in the hearts of those who hear. It is God’s Spirit who brings transformation and faith:
“So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3:7)
The Blessings of Fulfilling the Great Commission
1. Deepening Relationship with Christ
Following the Great Commission brings us closer to Jesus as we experience His power, love, and faithfulness in our mission:
“Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:14)
2. Joy in Seeing Lives Transformed
There is immense joy in witnessing others come to faith and grow in Christ. This joy reflects God’s heart, who rejoices over each soul saved:
“Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” (Luke 15:10)
3. Building the Body of Christ
Living out the Great Commission strengthens the Church, adding new members and enriching the community with diverse gifts and perspectives:
“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” (1 Corinthians 12:27)
4. Eternal Rewards in Heaven
The Bible teaches that God rewards those who faithfully serve Him. As we live out the Great Commission, we invest in God’s Kingdom, reaping eternal rewards:
“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3)
5. Experiencing God’s Faithfulness and Provision
In fulfilling the Great Commission, we see God’s provision and faithfulness. He equips and empowers us, meeting every need as we follow His call:
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
A Prayer for Living Out the Great Commission
Lord, grant us courage, bold and true,
To share Your love in all we do.
Empower us, with faith anew,
To go, make disciples, and trust in You.
May we reflect Your love and grace,
And boldly go to every place.
With humble hearts, Your call we heed,
To serve, to love, to plant the seed.
In Jesus’ name, we lift this plea,
To live for You, and spread truth free. Amen.
In Conclusion
The Great Commission is Jesus’ invitation to join Him in His work of redemption, reaching people with the hope and love of the gospel. It is a mission that calls us to live with purpose, boldness, and compassion, knowing that we are empowered by His presence. As we live out this commission, we fulfil our role in building God’s Kingdom, transforming lives, and growing in our own relationship with Christ.
May you embrace the Great Commission with courage and faith, sharing the message of salvation and making disciples, knowing that God is with you always.
