After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples one final time before ascending to heaven. Gathered together on a mountain in Galilee, Jesus delivered a commission that would shape the course of their lives and the future of the Church.
He said to them, “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.”
These words, known as the Great Commission, marked the beginning of a worldwide mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples of all nations. Jesus entrusted His followers with the responsibility to share His message of salvation, baptize new believers, and teach them to live according to His teachings.
The disciples, filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered by Jesus’ words, embarked on this monumental task. They traveled far and wide, proclaiming the good news, performing miracles, and establishing communities of believers. The early Church grew rapidly, as the transformative power of the Gospel touched hearts and lives.
The Great Commission extends to all believers throughout the ages. It is a call to action—a call to share the love and message of Jesus with a world in need of redemption. It invites us to step out in faith, leaving our comfort zones, and reaching out to people from all walks of life.
As we fulfill the Great Commission, we are called to make disciples, not merely converts. It is a holistic process that involves sharing the Gospel, baptizing new believers, and nurturing them in their faith journey. We are to teach others to follow the teachings of Jesus, to live lives of love, compassion, and obedience to God’s Word.
The promise of Jesus’ presence accompanies the Great Commission. He assures us that He is with us always, guiding, empowering, and equipping us for the task at hand. We are not alone in this mission. The same Spirit that enabled the early disciples continues to empower us today.
The Great Commission challenges us to look beyond ourselves and embrace a global perspective. It urges us to break down barriers, cross cultural boundaries, and share the transformative message of Jesus with all nations. It reminds us that the Gospel is for everyone, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or social status.
In embracing the Great Commission, we become active participants in God’s redemptive plan for humanity. We have the privilege of sharing the hope and salvation found in Jesus Christ. Through our words, actions, and lives, we can reflect the love of our Savior and invite others to experience the transformative power of His grace.
May we wholeheartedly embrace the call of the Great Commission, seeking to make disciples, baptize new believers, and teach them to walk in the ways of Jesus. And may we always remember that as we go forth in obedience, we do so with the assurance of Jesus’ abiding presence, knowing that He is with us, guiding and empowering us every step of the way.
