Has anyone ever given you a command or instructed you to do something? The answer to that is undoubtedly, yes. You cannot go through life without receiving some sort of direction as to what you are to do. And it’s no different for Christians.
Jesus himself gave us a direct command widely known as the Great Commission, and it applies to all believers.
Here’s what he said, “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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
Let’s break this down a little so we can understand it and fulfill it.
Jesus has all authority.
As a kid, did you ever say, “you’re not the boss of me” or “you’re not in charge” to someone? You said that because you understood the power of authority even at a young age. When the one in authority spoke, you listened.
Jesus has all authority in the universe and the spiritual realm. So, we better listen. You will treat the great commission as a mere suggestion if you miss this.
We are commanded to go.
Jesus, the one who has supreme authority, didn’t tell us to stay put. He told us to go. Go where exactly? Into all the world. The Christian mission given to us by Christ, is a global one. It is the direct orders from our commander-in-chief. The world is our mission field.
We are commanded to make disciples.
What is a disciple exactly? Simply put, a Christian disciple is a dedicated follower of Jesus. That’s our mission in the world. To go by the authority of Jesus and make faithful followers of Jesus– disciples. How do we do that exactly?
We must baptize them in water.
Water baptism is the first step someone takes in their new relationship with Jesus. Once you put your faith in Jesus and believe in His finished work on the cross, the next step is to be baptized in his name.
It’s important to note that water baptism doesn’t save you. Only your faith in Jesus does that. (See Ephesians 2:8-9) But baptism does two things. First, it is a public declaration that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ. Second, it is a symbolic partnership with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. (See Romans 6:4) That’s why you’re baptized after you make a profession of faith.
We must teach new disciples the commands of Jesus.
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15) So what are the commands of Jesus? They are everything written in the holy scriptures, the Bible. We are commissioned by Jesus, the one who has supreme authority, to teach people what the word of God says.
As Jesus said, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) Every disciple needs this to grow in their faith.
We are to remember that Jesus is always with us.
It’s easy to feel like you’re alone in this world, especially if you’re a follower of Jesus. But Jesus, in his kindness, reminds us that we’re never alone. He says, “surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
So, here’s my question to you. What are you doing to fulfill the mission Jesus has given you?
