Matthew 28:19-20, often referred to as the Great Commission, marks a pivotal moment in the New Testament. Too often, we read this passage without fully grasping its profound meaning and significance.
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus provides His final instructions to His disciples. This command not only outlines the responsibilities of His followers but also serves as the foundational mandate for the Christian faith. A deep understanding of this passage is crucial for comprehending the essence of discipleship, evangelism, and the Church’s mission.
The Great Commission
“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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT)
Go
The command to “go” signifies action and movement. Jesus instructs His disciples—and by extension, all of us—to actively seek out opportunities to share the message of God’s love. This is not a passive directive; it is a call to engage with the world, venture into new territories, and reach out to individuals from all walks of life.
Make Disciples
The phrase “make disciples” is central to the Great Commission. A disciple is someone who learns from and follows Jesus, embodying His teachings in their life. This process involves nurturing and guiding individuals in their faith journey, which includes:
- Baptism: This act symbolizes a person’s commitment to follow Jesus and publicly declare their faith. It signifies entry into the Christian community and a commitment to live according to Christ’s teachings.
- Teaching: After baptism, new believers need to be taught about God and how to live according to His principles. This ongoing process fosters spiritual growth and maturity.
Baptizing
Baptism is a significant act that symbolizes a person’s decision to follow Jesus and publicly declare their faith. When Jesus instructs us to baptize, He invites new believers to become part of God’s family. This act signifies a commitment to living according to the teachings of Christ and marks the beginning of a transformative journey.
In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
This phrase emphasizes the Trinitarian nature of God. It signifies that God is one but exists in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. When individuals are baptized in this name, they acknowledge their belief in the full nature of God. This understanding is essential for a comprehensive grasp of Christian faith and practice.
Teaching
Following baptism, new believers need to be taught about God and how to live according to His principles. Teaching is an ongoing process that fosters spiritual growth and maturity. It is akin to attending school, where knowledge is built upon and applied in daily life. The responsibility of teaching underscores the importance of community and mentorship within the body of Christ.
Obey Everything I Have Commanded You
Jesus emphasizes the necessity of obedience to His teachings. This directive calls for a commitment to live according to the principles He has laid out. It is not merely about knowing the commands of Jesus; it is about actively incorporating them into our lives. This obedience is rooted in love and respect for the authority of Christ.
I Am With You Always
The promise of Jesus’ continual presence is a source of immense comfort and assurance. He assures us that we will not be alone in our mission. This promise empowers us to carry out our responsibilities with confidence, knowing that we are supported by the presence of Christ through the Holy Spirit.
Meaning of the Great Commission
The Great Commission is not merely a historical directive; it is a timeless mandate that continues to resonate with believers today. It calls for our active participation in the mission of God, emphasizing the importance of evangelism, discipleship, and community.
The key themes in the great commission include:
Evangelism
At its core, the Great Commission is a call to evangelism. It urges us to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. This involves not only proclaiming the message but also demonstrating God’s love through our actions and relationships. Evangelism is an essential aspect of the Christian faith, reflecting God’s heart for the lost.
Discipleship
The call to make disciples underscores the importance of nurturing faith. Discipleship is a lifelong journey that involves learning, growing, and helping others along the way. It is not merely about conversion but about developing a deep, transformative relationship with God. Discipleship requires intentionality, patience, and a commitment to walking alongside others in their spiritual journeys.
Jesus mentions the necessity of teaching new believers, saying, “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). This ongoing process of teaching fosters spiritual growth and maturity, as we help others grow in their understanding of God and His ways.
Community
Baptism signifies inclusion in the Christian community. It highlights the importance of belonging and support among believers. The church is meant to be a place where we can grow together in faith, encouraging one another in our spiritual journeys. This sense of community is vital for spiritual growth and accountability.
As the apostle Paul wrote, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12). We are called to be united in Christ, supporting one another as we fulfill the Great Commission together.
Authority
The Great Commission is rooted in the authority of Jesus as the risen Lord. He has the power to send us into the world, and this authority gives weight to our mission. We are empowered to act on His behalf, knowing we are supported by His strength. This authority is not to be taken lightly; it carries the responsibility of representing Christ in all aspects of our lives.
Jesus affirmed His authority, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). This authority undergirds the command that follows, assuring us that we go forth with the backing of the risen Lord.
Promise of Presence
Jesus’ promise to be with us always is a source of comfort and strength. It reassures us that we are never alone in our mission. The presence of the Holy Spirit empowers and guides us as we share the Gospel. This promise is particularly significant in times of challenge and uncertainty, reminding us that we can rely on Christ’s support.
As Jesus said, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). This promise of ongoing presence provides the assurance we need to carry out the Great Commission, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
Matthew 28 Influence on History
The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, has profoundly influenced the course of history. This passage is not just a set of instructions; it is a timeless mandate that has inspired millions to learn about God and embrace Christianity. Since its inception, the mission outlined in this passage has led to the establishment of churches, schools, and hospitals, all aimed at serving communities and spreading the message of Christ.
Key Historical Event: The Pentecost (AD 30)
One of the most significant events following the Great Commission was Pentecost, which occurred about 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection, around AD 30. On this day, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, empowering them to boldly proclaim the Gospel. This event marked the birth of the Church and demonstrated the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to be with His followers always. The disciples, filled with the Holy Spirit, began to spread the message of Jesus throughout Jerusalem and beyond, leading to the conversion of thousands.
Early Church
After Jesus’ ascension, His disciples took the Great Commission seriously. They traveled to various regions, preaching the Gospel and establishing churches. For instance, the Apostle Paul embarked on several missionary journeys, beginning around AD 46, which significantly contributed to the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.
Global Missions
Over the centuries, the Great Commission has inspired countless missionaries to travel to distant lands, sharing the message of Jesus with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. One notable example is the missionary work of William Carey in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Often called the “father of modern missions,” Carey traveled to India in 1793, where he translated the Bible into several languages and established schools.
Social Impact
The Great Commission has also led to significant social change. Many Christian organizations have been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, providing education, healthcare, and support to those in need. For instance, during the 19th century, many missionaries established schools and hospitals in Africa and Asia, addressing both spiritual and physical needs.
Our mission to love and serve others is a direct application of Jesus’ teachings. This reflects the holistic nature of the Gospel, which calls us to care for both the soul and the body. As you consider the impact of the Great Commission, think about how you can contribute to social change in your community.
Deeper Exploration of Matthew 28:19-20
To deepen our understanding of Matthew 28:19-20, we can explore insights from various biblical scholars and theologians. These commentaries provide valuable perspectives on the passage and its implications.
John MacArthur (“Matthew 1-28”)
MacArthur emphasizes that the Great Commission is a universal command. It is not limited to the original disciples but extends to all believers. Every Christian is called to participate in the mission of spreading the Gospel. This universal application underscores the ongoing relevance of the Great Commission for the church today.
R.C. Sproul (“The MacArthur Study Bible”)
Sproul highlights the significance of baptism in the Great Commission. He notes that baptism is a sign of genuine conversion and a commitment to following Christ. It marks the beginning of our journey in faith, emphasizing the importance of publicly declaring our faith in the context of the Christian community.
William Lane Craig (“NIV Commentary on the New Testament”)
Craig focuses on the ongoing nature of the Great Commission. He argues that the mission is not a one-time event but a continuous process that requires dedication and perseverance from believers. This perspective encourages us to view our involvement in the Great Commission as a lifelong commitment to sharing the Gospel and making disciples.
Darrell Bock (“NIV Application Commentary”)
Bock delves into the practical aspects of teaching new disciples. He emphasizes that teaching is crucial for spiritual growth and maturity. It involves not only imparting knowledge but also modeling a Christ-like life. This practical application highlights the importance of mentorship and community in the process of discipleship.
John Stott (“The Message of the New Testament”)
Stott emphasizes the importance of Jesus’ promise of ongoing presence. He argues that this assurance empowers us to fulfill our mission, knowing that we are not alone in our efforts. This promise serves as a reminder that the Holy Spirit equips and guides us as we seek to fulfill the Great Commission.
Conclusion
Matthew 28:19-20, known as the Great Commission, is a foundational passage that outlines our mission as Jesus’ followers. It calls us to actively share the message of God’s love, invite others to join His family, and teach them how to live according to His teachings. The Great Commission has had a profound impact on the world, inspiring countless believers to engage in evangelism and discipleship.
Through this structured exploration, we can appreciate the importance of understanding the key components of this passage, the insights from various translations and commentaries, and the implications for Christians today. The promise of Jesus’ presence provides comfort and strength as we carry out our mission, reminding us that we are never alone in our efforts to share the Gospel.
As we reflect on the Great Commission, let us embrace our role in God’s mission, sharing His love and truth with those around us. Whether through personal relationships, community involvement, or global outreach, each of us has a part to play in fulfilling this important directive from Jesus. The Great Commission is not merely a historical command; it is a living mandate that continues to shape our lives and the mission of the Church today.