Unleashing the Power: The Untold Secrets of The Great Commission
The Great Commission is found in several places in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels. Let's focus on the version found in Matthew 28:16-20, as it is the most comprehensive. Here’s the passage:
Matthew 28:16-20
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 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,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Key Points of the Great Commission:
1. Authority of Jesus (verse 18):
- Jesus declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. This establishes His supreme power and legitimizes the mission He is about to give.
2. The Command to Go (verse 19):
- The disciples are instructed to go and make disciples of all nations. This indicates the global nature of their mission. It's not confined to a single people group but is inclusive of all humanity.
3. Baptizing in the Name of the Trinity (verse 19):
- They are to baptize new disciples in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This highlights the importance of baptism as a public declaration of faith.
4. Teaching Obedience (verse 20):
- The disciples are to teach the new believers to obey everything Jesus has commanded. This underscores the importance of discipleship, not just conversion.
5. Promise of Jesus' Presence (verse 20):
- Jesus assures them of His continual presence with them to the end of the age. This provides comfort and encouragement, knowing they are not alone in their mission.
Discussion and Application:
- Global Mission:
- Reflect on the global aspect of the mission. How can we, in our local contexts, participate in making disciples of all nations? This could involve personal evangelism, supporting missionaries, or utilizing technology to reach people globally.
- Baptism:
- Consider the significance of baptism in your journey of faith. Why is it important to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? How does baptism symbolize a believer’s new identity in Christ?
- Teaching and Obedience:
- Discuss the importance of teaching new believers to obey Jesus' commands. How can we effectively disciple others and ensure they are growing in their faith and obedience to God’s word?
- Presence of Jesus:
- Reflect on the promise of Jesus' presence. How does knowing that Jesus is always with us impact our courage and commitment to share the gospel?
The Great Commission is not just a command for the original disciples but extends to all believers. It calls us to be proactive in sharing the gospel, making disciples, and teaching them to live according to Christ’s teachings, with the assurance that Jesus is with us every step of the way.
