Some say God is caring and nice in the New Testament, but stern and harsh in the old. Hey, He and His love for people has never changed any. His promises haven't changed!
God Cares About You Tremendously! He Always Has and Always Will! He Deeply Cares about Lost People of Every Land as well! When God blesses you, it's cuz He loves you, but He also has others in mind (see how cyclical this all is in Psalm 67).
Are there Other OT commissions? Yes. God cares and His heart has always beat for world missions! He gave separate commissions to men like Noah, to Abraham, to Moses, and to David. In word and deed, God's people are to represent Him well so that others will come to believe!
The Call That Changes Everything: It's Called The Great Commission
See "mission" in that word? In a moment that shook history, Jesus stood before His disciples, the risen Savior with his nail-scarred hands, and issued the ultimate command—a charge that ripples down through the centuries to you and me.
His words were not merely instructions; they were a declaration of prayerful purpose, a command to good actions, a promise of His kind presence, and a vision for eternity.
Jesus came and declared to His disciples, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'” Matthew 28:18-20 esv
With these great words, Christ entrusted His followers with the Mission of all missions. Yes, the greatest commission ever given to any humans—to go and carry His biblical Message of free redemption to the people of every corner of this earth. This commission is the heartbeat of the gospel, resonating in five distinct passages across the New Testament:
- Matthew 28:16–20 – That's the Great Commission. It's a call to go make disciples, to baptize in the name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit, and to teach each of them how to live the Life with Christ as Lord.
- Mark 16:14–18 – A charge to proclaim the gospel with signs accompanying. He does em. Signs are to point to Jesus not to a servant. Jesus commissions..before his ascension.
- Luke 24:44–49 – The mandate to preach repentance and forgiveness. We also are to proclaim repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
- John 20:19–23 – A commissioning with the Holy Spirit's power. Jesus commissions us with the power of the Spirit for a worldwide purpose.
- Acts 1:4–8 – A promise of Spirit-empowered witnessing to the ends of the earth. It's about...
A clear declarationA clear commandA clear promise
It's true! A great commitment to our Great Christ (talkin' 'bout a vital relationship of obedience), to His Great Commandment, and His Great Commission ..will here reveal how Great He is in growing a great church!
The early church was into Jesus. Yes, they were into the word, into prayer, into fellowshipping while breaking bread together, and into witnessing to the lost.
"..praising God continually, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord kept adding to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:47 amp
"Any church that is not seriously involved in helping fulfill the Great Commission has forfeited its biblical right to exist." ~ Oswald J. Smith
I Love The Fivefold Bible Charge of Christ For World Evangelism
We each have a part in helping to bring closure to this harvesting. Let us consider the fullness of this commission:
Go – This is not a suggestion; it is a command. The gospel is not static or passive. His love compels us with wise movement. The fields of the world are ripe for harvest, and the doors of opportunity are open. “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15).
Make Disciples – This is no superficial effort or false religious friendships. It's an ongoing passionate lifestyle! It is not about mere conversions but about merely nurturing followers of Christ who will, in turn, go disciple others. The call is for transformation, not transaction—a lifelong pursuit of growth in Christ.
Baptize – In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This act is a witnessing declaration of faith, an outward sign of an inward transformation. It unites believers into the body of Christ, marking them as His.
Teach all the Counsels of God – Jesus commands us to teach His Word so that His followers obey everything He has instructed. This is not just about knowledge but about a life that reflects the truth of Christ.
Receive Power, it's an enabling from God to Go, to Be, to Live, and to Verbally Give Witness of the Gospel for decisions – The Great Commission is impossible without the Spirit. Jesus promised, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). He leads, He feeds (not fleeces), and His power enables us to go fulfill this divine mission.
The Great Urgency of the Hour
We live in a broken world desperate for answers. People still choose all kinds of dumb idols hoping to fill that empty void in side. Brokenness is everywhere in this world—violence, addiction, loneliness, despair. The world’s solutions fail, but Christ offers the ultimate answer. The Great Commission is not a task for tomorrow; it is a mandate for today. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37).
Do we truly believe that without Christ, people are lost? Do our lives reflect the urgency of His call? Every soul matters to God. Each one is worth the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. If we have tasted His grace, how can we not share it?
We have some moments to share Jesus. In anger at the incredible wickedness and evil, God has chosen to remember His Mercy.
The Promise of His Presence
The Great Commission does not rest on our strength. It is fulfilled by His Spirit. Jesus promised, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). We are not alone. The One who conquered sin and death walks with us. Let's lean on Christ.
"There is no higher calling or greater privilege known to man than being involved in helping fulfill the Great Commission." ~ Bill Bright
"The church that does not evangelize will fossilize." ~ Oswald J. Smith
"God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply." ~ Hudson Taylor
"You have one business on earth – to save souls." ~ John Wesley
"To know the will of God, we need an open Bible and an open map." ~ William Carey
"If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?" ~ David Livingstone
Will You Answer the Call?
For such a wild time as this, you are here. This is the hour for which we were born. The commission is clear. The challenge is great. But the power of God is greater still. Will you go? Will you disciple? Will you baptize, teach, and witness by His Spirit?
The Great Commission is not optional for any believer. It is the call of every believer to Jesus and his plan for them. Get in the living word, and let the word get in you until you have a bad case of the can't help it. I can't help but share about Jesus and his finished work.
Yes, step into the middle of His will for you -- step into the mission of Christ, for He who calls is faithful, TOTALLY LOYAL and His gospel changes everything.
When Will the Great Commission Be Fulfilled?
I think there are more smartphones now than there are people on earth. Every eye will see Him come back and that's not hard to imagine.
The fulfillment of the Great Commission remains a mystery in a sense to me (the Bible tells us some though), it's only fully known to the Lord how it will happen -- he is sovereign and omniscient. He alone knows the timing and ultimate outcome. Yet, as believers, we are called to live in faithful obedience, trusting that Christ equips us to carry out His command in every generation. Only the Father knows when the Rapture will happen so let's be busy about His business until then. Not too busy for Jesus, but with Him.
The scope of the Great Commission extends far beyond merely introducing people to the gospel. While the message of Christ reaches every nation today through various media and ministries, it is not yet complete until every people group—every tribe, tongue, and nation—has an adequate number of disciples who can effectively share the gospel within their own cultures. This calls for a deeper focus on making disciples, not just on conversions. Disciple-making involves mentoring others to grow in their faith, teaching them to follow Christ, and equipping them to share His love with others.
What Does Fulfilling the Great Commission Mean?
It does not mean that every person will accept Christ. Many will reject the message due to spiritual blindness, and others may be incapable of understanding. However, it does mean that every person should have the opportunity to hear the gospel clearly, in a way that resonates with their cultural context. It is our responsibility to sow the seeds faithfully, trusting God to bring the harvest in His time.
To fulfill the Great Commission, we must focus on the multiplication of disciples—training faithful believers who will, in turn, train others. This ripple effect of spiritual reproduction is how the gospel spreads exponentially, as outlined in 2 Timothy 2:2:
"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others."
How Can We Help Fulfill the Great Commission?
Start Where You Are
Jesus outlined a strategy in Acts 1:8—beginning in “Jerusalem” (your immediate sphere of influence), then moving outward to “Judea and Samaria” (your community and nation), and finally to “the ends of the earth” (the global mission field). Your “Jerusalem” might be your workplace, school, or neighborhood.Prayer as the Foundation
Prayer is the lifeblood of mission work. Pray daily for spiritual awakening in your local community and worldwide. Ask God to raise up faithful laborers and open hearts to the gospel.Personal Evangelism and Discipleship
Adopt a lifestyle of sharing Christ in everyday moments. Evangelism is not limited to big events; it often happens through personal, meaningful conversations. Once someone accepts Christ, commit to mentoring and discipling them so they can grow and share their faith.Partnering with the Global Church
Collaboration is key. Support missionary organizations, participate in local and global outreach efforts, and invest financially in ministries dedicated to spreading the gospel.Leverage Technology and Media
Utilize technology to reach people who may never set foot in a church. Online platforms, social media, and translated gospel resources, like the “J” film, continue to make significant global impacts.Focus on Underserved Areas
Be intentional about reaching those who have yet to hear the gospel, especially in areas with limited Christian presence. This might involve short-term mission trips, supporting Bible translations, or advocating for unreached people groups.
The Importance of Spiritual Maturation and Multiplication
Both are imperative. We grow in the word and then go with the word. The difference between addition and multiplication in disciple-making is staggering. Leading one person to Christ every month for 20 years results in 240 new believers. However, if each of those believers were discipled to disciple others, the numbers would grow exponentially, eventually covering the entire world. This principle, grounded in biblical teaching, demonstrates the power of investing deeply in a few to reach many.
Connect
Connect upwards first. Seek ye first.. your first love and His will. Connect upwards and then outwards. Make a friend to bring to Him and to church. People are won by One, and God can use us to win them one by one. Describe a time in your life when you accomplished something that was a real challenge to finish. How did you feel?
Cultivate
Have a heart for people on farmland, in towns and cities and nations! Jesus has commanded us to Go, so how can we say No? He said, “go make disciples of all nations." Jesus gave this great commission to a community who would work together and join God to help others know Jesus, follow him and make more disciples. God wants us to accept the greatest challenge ever given by the greatest person who ever lived.
Read/meditate upon: Matthew 28:18-20 and ask the following questions:
1. What do you like about this passage?
2. What do you find uncomfortable or difficult to understand in this passage?
3. What appears to be the main idea emphasized in this passage? (Look for repeated words or ideas.)
Consider how the following passages increase our understanding of this topic:
Read/meditate upon: Matthew 22:35-40.
- What are the two greatest commandments?
- Why is it so important to live these out as we seek to fulfill the mission of Jesus?
Read/meditate upon: Acts 1:8. (Jesus speaking)
- What disciple-making component is discussed in the second half of this verse?
- How can we train people in this aspect of disciple-making?
Read/meditate upon: 2 Timothy 2:2.
- What is the apostle Paul expecting Timothy to do with the things he has heard?
- What two qualities should Timothy look for in potential disciples?
Read/meditate upon: John 20:21.
- Do you consider yourself to be someone sent on mission by God? When I see missionaries in the Bible, they were sent or went. To be a career missionary you want to be sent out from a local church. Wait on Jesus. To cross a sea or street be sent by the Spirit with the gospel. Be fruitful at home, and then on the field.
- How do you feel about Jesus’ challenge to be involved in his great commission first at home, and then while sent?
- Have you yet come to Christ on His terms? Do you need to come back to Jesus? What is your response to his soul-winning challenge today?
4. What are the beliefs and values promoted in these Bible passages above?
5. What do they reveal about our broken human condition and God’s response?
6. How are these beliefs and values similar or different from those that have influenced you? (such as with your family, culture, peers, church, etc.)
7. How might our faith increase and our lives change as we embrace what is true and important?
8. In light of what we’ve discussed, how can we pray for each other and for the lost at this time?
God Cares About You! He Always has and Always Will. He Deeply Cares about Lost People Too! You, believer are His Option A for reaching them, and He has no Option B.
"Go..tell" Mark 5:19
When God says something once it's important and we need to take heed. When he says something twice, we really need to take heed. We don't see His missionary charge only one time in the Bible but five times!
"Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you."
Let's minister His way with tact, gentleness and respect. God had saved that man and shown him mercy. Check the Bible context. Jesus was the Father's first missionary. He was sent and was willing to go. To come here, and that man was a Gentile who had no preconceived ideas about the Messiah, so he was free from dead religion and able to go spread the Good News.
Ask: Since we last met, what happened as a result of expressing Christ’s love to others you've met?
How can you, or we, express Christ’s love to others together and apart this week?
Need a few ideas:
- Pray earnestly that God would meet their deepest needs.
- Help meet a felt need they have - God, how will you use me?
- Encourage them with a text or verbally.
- Give (we go, we send, we support) Grant them a thoughtful gift or say.. buy them some coffee or tea. In this lonely world the gift of time is huge!
- Invite them to go do something fun or meaningful (at church perhaps).
- Listen to their journey story - take a genuine interest them, they aren't a number. Take interest in their friends and family members.
- Explore their thoughts regarding the gospel.
What am I trying to say with this? Believers care too!
The Great Commission is not just a mere task we do—it’s a spiritual lifestyle of obedience, of love, and of faithfulness to Christ and His call. While we may not see its complete fulfillment in our lifetime, we are each called to play our part. As Paul reminded the Corinthians, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6).
By God’s power, through prayer, and intentional actions of love, we each can advance His kingdom together. Let us each live in His will, in relationship with Jesus and make both acceptable worship and then fulfillment of His Great Commission our highest priorities, not only as a command to obey but as an expression of love for our Savior and for the world He came to redeem. May we live out this mission with urgency, joy, and unwavering faith until He returns.
"..teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
The Great Commission, as outlined in Matthew 28:19–20, is not merely a task but the heartbeat of Christ's mission for His followers. It is a call to action that transcends time, culture, and geography, urging every believer to live as His representative on earth. While we labor in obedience to make disciples, baptize, and teach, we do so under the assurance of Jesus' enduring presence:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.." Matthew 28:19
"I am with you always, even to the end.." (v 2). This promise is a source of unwavering hope and strength, reminding us that we do not labor alone, but in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Scope of the Great Commission
The Great Commission is a global mission. Jesus' words in Acts 1:8 provide a clear strategy: to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This directive starts at home—our immediate community—and extends outward, encompassing the entire world. Yet, fulfilling this mission is not solely about geography; it is about reaching every tribe, tongue, and people group, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel.
The Process of Disciple-Making
We don't control people or Lord it over them ever. Central to the Great Commission is the command to "make disciples." This involves more than conversion; it requires nurturing believers to grow in their faith and equipping them to disciple others. True discipleship is marked by obedience to Christ's teachings, transformation through the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to live out and share the gospel.
To achieve this, the Church must embrace a strategy of spiritual multiplication. When one disciple trains another, who then trains another, the impact grows exponentially. This principle is vividly illustrated by Paul’s instruction to Timothy: “The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2).
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is indispensable in fulfilling the Great Commission. He empowers believers to be bold witnesses, convicts hearts of sin, and guides us in proclaiming the gospel effectively. As we go forth, we rely not on our strength, but on His. The same Spirit who descended at Pentecost dwells within us today, enabling us to carry out the work Christ has entrusted to us.
A Call to Biblical Witnessing by Life, Attitude & Word
Fulfilling the Great Commission involves using every means available to reach people—whether through personal relationships, community outreach, media, or global missions. Every believer is called to play a part, whether by going, praying, giving, or supporting. In a world where billions still have not heard the name of Jesus, the urgency of the mission cannot be overstated.
Encouragement in the Promise
Jesus’ assurance, “I am with you always,” is not only a comfort but also a charge to persevere. It echoes God’s promise to Joshua: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). As we face challenges, opposition, or even discouragement in the work of the Great Commission, this promise reminds us that His presence sustains and empowers us.
Our Own Personal Responsibility
The Great Commission is not reserved for pastors, missionaries, or evangelists—it is a personal charge for every believer. Whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities, we are called to live out the gospel daily. By showing Christ’s love through our actions, words, and relationships, we reflect His light to a world in desperate need.
Each of us must develop a personal strategy for evangelism and discipleship. This may involve consistent prayer for the lost, intentional conversations about faith, financial support for missions, or volunteering in local outreach efforts. The ultimate goal is to glorify God by making His name known among all nations.
We Pray, Wait On, And God Directs. He Makes The Vision Clear for Our Future
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What is God looking for? Close relationship. Obedience. He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). He's looking for worshipers (John 4:23), fruit in our lives (Luke 13:7), and faithful servants (Ezek. 22:30). Has He found you..have you been found of Him? He wants to resurrect you unto life, not unto death.
Believer, go back to Him again and again for His timing, tone, and specifics of your part in helping to fulfill the Great Commission will usher in the next phase of God’s redemptive plan. As we labor in anticipation of Christ’s return, we do so with the understanding that the “end of the age” will bring His ultimate reign, the restoration of all things, and the eternal joy of His presence.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
Let us walk closely with Christ. Let's therefore, remain steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Together, empowered by the Spirit and united in purpose, we can proclaim the gospel to every nation and hasten the day when the Great Commission is fulfilled. To God be the glory!
"Proper preaching is declaring the whole counsel of God in such a manner that everyone who listens is aware of the divine message and the divine presence." ~ Chuck Smith
- Bible Teaching - it's mainly for ministering to and feeding the sheep.- Bible Preaching - it's largely for winning the lost. So preach the word for decisions and God's glory. Preach not your opinions or self. Do you love to talk about Jesus?
