The Great Commission
6
The Great Commission is the final instruction given by Jesus Christ to his followers before his ascension into heaven. Recorded primarily in Matthew 28:18-20, it commands them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them his commands. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Key Elements of the Commission
The core of the passage relies on four actions, but rests on a single, direct imperative: "Make disciples". [1, 2]
"Go": As believers go about their daily lives, they are instructed to spread the Gospel universally.
"Make disciples": The primary objective is not just to get converts, but to raise up devoted followers of Christ.
"Baptizing": This serves as the initiation into the Christian community, representing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
"Teaching": The lifelong process of equipping believers with the knowledge to observe and obey Jesus' commands. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
The Great Commission is Jesus' final command to His disciples to spread the gospel to all nations. While it appears in all four Gospels, it is most famously referenced in Matthew 28:18–20. [1, 2, 3]
The Core Passage
Read the most recognized verses from the Bible Gateway NIV Translation:
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 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,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
4 Key Elements of the Passage
The Authority: Jesus establishes that His mission is backed by all divine authority.
The Mission: The active command to "go" and make disciples of all groups of people.
The Method: Baptizing and teaching them to obey His teachings.
The Promise: The comforting assurance that Christ will be with His followers permanently. [1, 2, 3]
Where to Find it in Other Gospels
The Great Commission isn't just in Matthew; similar instructions are detailed throughout the New Testament:[1]
Mark 16:15: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."
Luke 24:47: "And that repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."
John 20:21: "Again Jesus said, 'Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.'"
Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
