The Great Commission is one of the most pivotal moments in the New Testament, as it marks Jesus’ final command to His disciples before His ascension into heaven. This command, which is recorded in Matthew 28:18-20, is a call to action for all believers to spread the message of salvation to every nation, making disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The significance of the Great Commission cannot be overstated, as it serves as a foundation for Christian evangelism, discipleship, and missionary work.
Understanding the Context of the Great Commission
To fully appreciate the magnitude of the Great Commission, it’s essential to understand the context in which it was given. Jesus had just completed His earthly ministry, and His disciples were still reeling from the events of His crucifixion, resurrection, and subsequent appearances. The disciples were likely feeling a mix of emotions, from grief and confusion to joy and excitement, as they struggled to comprehend the significance of Jesus’ teachings and the implications of His resurrection. It was in this context that Jesus gathered His disciples and imparted His final command, emphasizing the importance of carrying on His work and spreading the message of salvation to all nations.
The Biblical Basis for the Great Commission
The Great Commission is rooted in Jesus’ teachings and ministry, which emphasized the importance of loving God and loving others. In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus summarized the entire law and prophets, saying, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” The Great Commission is an extension of this command, as it calls believers to love their neighbors by sharing the message of salvation with them. Additionally, Jesus’ teachings on the kingdom of God, the importance of repentance, and the need for faith and obedience all provide a foundation for the Great Commission.
Key Components of the Great Commission
The Great Commission can be broken down into several key components, each of which is essential for carrying out Jesus’ final command. These components include:
* Making disciples: This involves sharing the message of salvation with others, teaching them about Jesus and His teachings, and helping them to grow in their faith.
* Baptizing them: Baptism is a symbol of a person’s commitment to follow Jesus, and it serves as a public declaration of their faith.
* Teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded: This involves helping new believers to understand and apply Jesus’ teachings to their lives, and to live in obedience to God’s will.
* Going to all nations: The Great Commission is not limited to a specific geographic location or cultural context, but rather is a call to take the message of salvation to every nation and people group.
The Significance of the Great Commission for Christian Evangelism
The Great Commission has far-reaching implications for Christian evangelism, as it provides a framework for sharing the message of salvation with others. Evangelism is not just about converting people to Christianity, but rather about introducing them to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Great Commission emphasizes the importance of making disciples, rather than just making converts, and it challenges believers to think strategically about how to reach their communities and the world with the message of salvation. Some effective strategies for Christian evangelism include:
* Building relationships with non-believers and sharing the message of salvation in a natural and conversational way
* Using social media and other digital platforms to share the gospel and connect with others
* Participating in short-term missions trips or volunteer work to reach people in other cultures and contexts
* Supporting missionaries and Christian organizations that are working to spread the gospel around the world
The Role of Discipleship in the Great Commission
Discipleship is a critical component of the Great Commission, as it involves helping new believers to grow in their faith and to become mature followers of Jesus. Discipleship is not just about imparting knowledge, but rather about helping people to develop a deep and personal relationship with God. Effective discipleship involves:
* Providing spiritual guidance and mentorship
* Teaching biblical principles and values
* Modeling a godly lifestyle and character
* Encouraging accountability and community
Overcoming Obstacles to the Great Commission
Despite the importance of the Great Commission, many believers face obstacles that prevent them from carrying out Jesus’ final command. Some common obstacles include:
* Fear and anxiety about sharing the gospel with others
* Lack of knowledge or confidence in sharing the message of salvation
* Busy schedules and competing priorities
* Cultural or linguistic barriers that make it difficult to connect with others
* Persecution or opposition from others who are hostile to the gospel
Empowering Believers to Fulfill the Great Commission
To overcome these obstacles and fulfill the Great Commission, believers need to be empowered with the right mindset, skills, and resources. This involves:
* Developing a deep and personal relationship with God, and a strong sense of purpose and calling
* Receiving training and equipping in evangelism and discipleship
* Building relationships with other believers and working together as a team
* Being willing to take risks and step out of their comfort zones
* Trusting in God’s power and sovereignty, and being dependent on Him for guidance and strength
Practical Strategies for Fulfilling the Great Commission
There are many practical strategies that believers can use to fulfill the Great Commission, including:
* Participating in local outreach and missions initiatives
* Supporting global missions efforts and partners
* Using social media and other digital platforms to share the gospel
* Engaging in personal evangelism and discipleship
* Praying regularly for unbelievers and for the advancement of the gospel
Cultivating a Missional Lifestyle
Fulfilling the Great Commission requires more than just a one-time event or activity, but rather a long-term commitment to a missional lifestyle. This involves:
* Being intentional about sharing the gospel with others, and looking for opportunities to do so
* Being willing to take risks and face challenges, and to trust in God’s power and sovereignty
* Being committed to discipleship and mentorship, and to helping others to grow in their faith
* Being part of a community of believers that is passionate about missions and evangelism
Conclusion and Call to Action
The Great Commission is a call to action for all believers, and it serves as a foundation for Christian evangelism, discipleship, and missionary work. By understanding the context and biblical basis for the Great Commission, and by being empowered with the right mindset, skills, and resources, believers can fulfill Jesus’ final command and take the message of salvation to every nation. As believers, we are called to be part of a global movement to spread the gospel and make disciples, and to trust in God’s power and sovereignty to guide and empower us.
FAQs
The following are some frequently asked questions related to the Great Commission:
* What is the Great Commission? The Great Commission is Jesus’ final command to His disciples, in which He calls them to make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
* Why is the Great Commission important? The Great Commission is important because it provides a framework for Christian evangelism, discipleship, and missionary work, and it serves as a foundation for spreading the message of salvation to every nation.
* How can I fulfill the Great Commission? You can fulfill the Great Commission by sharing the gospel with others, making disciples, and baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You can also participate in local outreach and missions initiatives, support global missions efforts, and use social media and other digital platforms to share the gospel.
* What are some common obstacles to fulfilling the Great Commission? Some common obstacles to fulfilling the Great Commission include fear and anxiety about sharing the gospel, lack of knowledge or confidence, busy schedules, and cultural or linguistic barriers.
* How can I overcome these obstacles and fulfill the Great Commission? You can overcome these obstacles by developing a deep and personal relationship with God, receiving training and equipping in evangelism and discipleship, building relationships with other believers, and being willing to take risks and trust in God’s power and sovereignty.
In conclusion, the Great Commission is a call to action for all believers, and it serves as a foundation for Christian evangelism, discipleship, and missionary work. By understanding the context and biblical basis for the Great Commission, and by being empowered with the right mindset, skills, and resources, believers can fulfill Jesus’ final command and take the message of salvation to every nation. We urge you to take the challenge and fulfill the Great Commission, and to trust in God’s power and sovereignty to guide and empower you.