The Great Commission is one of the most important and powerful commands that Jesus gave to His followers before ascending into heaven. Found in Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus’ command to make disciples is not just a historical directive—it remains a mission for every Christian today. Understanding the meaning of the Great Commission is crucial for believers who desire to align their lives with Christ's purpose for the world.
The Great Commission is Jesus' final instruction to His disciples after His resurrection. He says to them, “All 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” (Matthew 28:18-20). This command serves as a reminder that the message of Jesus is not meant to stay with His followers alone but is to be spread to all nations.
At its core, the Great Commission is about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with the world. Jesus calls His followers to be active participants in expanding His Kingdom by making disciples. This means not only evangelizing or leading others to faith in Christ but also investing in their spiritual growth and helping them become committed, mature followers of Jesus.
When Jesus says, “Go and make disciples,” He is calling us to engage in a process that goes far beyond simply sharing the Gospel. Making disciples involves teaching, mentoring, and nurturing new believers in their walk with Christ. It is not just about preaching the Gospel but also walking alongside others in their faith journey, guiding them to understand and obey Jesus’ teachings.
The command to make disciples can seem overwhelming, but it is important to remember that Jesus doesn’t leave us to accomplish this mission on our own. In the final part of the Great Commission, He promises, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). This assurance of Jesus’ presence empowers Christians to confidently share the Gospel, knowing that He is with them every step of the way.
The meaning of the Great Commission extends beyond the first disciples. It is a call for every Christian, regardless of background, occupation, or location, to participate in the mission of God. This means that the Great Commission isn’t just for pastors, missionaries, or church leaders—it’s a command for all believers.
Living out the Great Commission involves actively seeking opportunities to share the message of salvation with those around us, whether at work, in our neighborhoods, or in our communities. It means being intentional about making disciples who will then go on to share the Gospel with others, creating a ripple effect that continues to spread the message of Christ.
Furthermore, the Great Commission teaches us about the global scope of the Christian faith. The command to go to “all nations” is a reminder that the message of Jesus is for every person, in every corner of the world. Christians are called to cross cultural and geographical boundaries, spreading the love and truth of Jesus to people of all races, backgrounds, and nations.
The Great Commission is more than just a command—it's a calling to actively participate in God’s mission to reconcile the world to Himself through Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are invited to be part of something much larger than ourselves—working together to spread the Gospel, make disciples, and help build the Kingdom of God. By embracing Jesus’ command to make disciples, we become instruments of change in the world, faithfully carrying out the task that Jesus set before us. Sign up for our free course,
Into the World, to learn practical ways to share your faith and gain a mentor who will walk alongside you.
