Tags: Great Commission, mission of the church, Matthew 28:18-20, evangelism, discipleship, Christian calling, Gospel message, biblical obedience
In the final verses of the Gospel of Matthew, the risen Lord Jesus Christ speaks words of power and purpose to His disciples—words that would shape the mission of the church for all generations to come. Known as the Great Commission, Matthew 28:18–20 (KJV) reads:
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
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. Amen.”
These verses are not merely a farewell; they are a divine directive. They are not optional suggestions; they are the marching orders of the church. This is the Lord Jesus Christ entrusting His followers with a mission that echoes throughout eternity. Let us explore what this mission is and what it means for us today.
1. The Authority Behind the Mission
The Great Commission begins not with man, but with Christ. Jesus declares, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” The Greek word for “power” here is exousia, meaning authority or right. Jesus is not simply powerful—He has been given full divine authority as the risen Son of God.
This is crucial. The mission of the church is not built on the charisma of men or the strategies of organizations. It is grounded in the sovereign authority of Christ, the One who conquered death and reigns supreme. His commission carries the full weight of heaven behind it. We go because He has sent us.
2. The Scope of the Mission
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…”
The scope of Christ’s mission is universal. It is not bound by race, nationality, social status, or geography. The gospel is good news for all nations. The word “nations” comes from the Greek ethnos, referring to ethnic groups or people groups.
From the first-century disciples to the modern church, this command stands: we are to take the gospel to every corner of the globe. There is no place too far, no people too hardened, no culture too closed. The call is to go—not to wait, not to retreat, but to engage the world with the saving message of Jesus Christ.
3. The Method of the Mission
Jesus outlines a clear method for fulfilling this mission. It involves three key components: evangelism, baptism, and discipleship.
a. Evangelism – “Teach All Nations”
The first step is proclamation. The word “teach” here is better translated “make disciples.” It begins with sharing the gospel—telling others the good news that Jesus died for their sins, rose again, and offers eternal life to all who believe.
The church must be a soul-winning church. Every believer is called to be a witness. Evangelism is not just the job of pastors and missionaries—it is the joyful duty of every child of God. We are His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation.
b. Baptism – “Baptizing Them…”
Once people respond to the gospel in faith, the next step is baptism. Baptism does not save, but it is a public declaration of one’s faith in Christ. It identifies the believer with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
Notice the Trinitarian formula: “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” This affirms the unity and divinity of the Godhead. Baptism is not a ritual of man—it is an act of obedience to Christ and an initiation into the body of believers.
c. Discipleship – “Teaching Them to Observe…”
Evangelism and baptism are just the beginning. Jesus continues, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” The goal is not just converts—it is committed disciples. The church must nurture believers to grow in their faith, obey Christ’s teachings, and become disciple-makers themselves.
Discipleship involves instruction, example, and relationship. It happens through preaching, teaching, small groups, and one-on-one mentorship. Every church should be a discipleship factory, equipping believers for a lifetime of faithful service.
4. The Promise in the Mission
“And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Jesus concludes His commission with a promise—His enduring presence. We are not alone in this great task. He is with us, empowering us, guiding us, comforting us, and giving us boldness to go on.
The mission may be difficult, and the world may resist, but Christ’s presence ensures victory. He walks with us in every village, every city, every island, and every nation. From the pulpit to the prison, from the mission field to the office desk, Christ is with His people.
5. The Church’s Role in the Great Commission
So, what is the mission of the church? It is this: to glorify God by making disciples of all nations. This mission defines our identity and our activity. Everything we do must revolve around evangelizing the lost, equipping the saints, and exalting Christ.
a. Mission-Oriented Ministries
Churches must align their programs, budgets, and energies around the Great Commission. Missions should not be an optional department—it should be at the heart of everything. From children’s ministry to youth groups to adult fellowships, all must feed into the mission of making disciples.
b. Supporting and Sending
Not every believer will be a full-time missionary, but every church can support and send. We must pray for laborers (Matthew 9:38), give to missions, and send workers into the field. Churches must cultivate a missionary mindset, training and sending their own members to reach the unreached.
c. Witnessing Locally
The mission field is not just overseas. It begins where you are—in your neighborhood, your workplace, your school. Every Christian has a mission field. The question is not if we are called to go—it’s where and how.
6. Why the Great Commission Still Matters Today
In an age of distractions, controversies, and division, the church must return to its primary mission. The Great Commission is not outdated. It is not a relic of the early church. It is God’s heartbeat for every generation.
Millions still haven’t heard the name of Jesus. Countless others have never read the Bible. Many sit in churches without ever becoming true disciples. The harvest is truly plenteous, but the laborers are still few.
The Great Commission is our answer. It gives us direction, purpose, and unity. When the church embraces its mission, it moves in the power of God and for the glory of God.
Conclusion: Go Ye Therefore
The words of Jesus in Matthew 28:18–20 are clear, commanding, and comforting. We are sent by the King of kings, to reach all nations, with a method that transforms lives, and a promise that sustains us.
Let us not be a complacent church. Let us be a commissioned church—a church that goes, that teaches, that baptizes, that disciples, and that lives with the daily awareness that Jesus is with us always. When we say "church" - it means "we, the people of God, the saints" who are called, saved and baptized.
The Great Commission is not just a mission—it’s our mission. Let us rise and obey.
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