Jesus’ earliest disciples experienced a roller-coaster ride during the final weeks of His public ministry. First, Jesus’ death on the cross sent them into confusion and deep despair. Second, His resurrection lifted them back into the clouds of joy. Finally, His ascension ushered in the sobering reality that the disciples would continue carrying out Jesus’ mission without His physical presence and leadership.
Before Jesus returned to heaven, however, He gathered His remaining followers in order to summarize the mission for His disciples and deliver final instructions. Today we refer to Jesus’ final words as the Great Commission.
“16 The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 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 everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
What are your first reactions to these verses? Why?
In what ways has this commission been carried out in the centuries since Jesus sent His earliest disciples?
In what ways is Jesus’ commission still incomplete?
The Great Commission summarized Jesus’ mission not only for His earliest disciples, but for all of the disciples who have joined the ranks of His followers throughout history—including you. We’ll conclude this study by taking a close look at Jesus’ commission and command for those who choose to follow Him.
JESUS TELLS US WHERE TO GO
The first thing to highlight about Jesus’ statements in these verses is His claim to authority. Why is it important that “all authority has been given to [Jesus] in heaven and on earth”? Because His Great Commission is a series of commands. He is ordering us to obey Him. Therefore, He first wanted to state clearly that He carries the authority to do so.
What does it mean to recognize Jesus’ authority in our lives?
Next, the Great Commission has a geographical connection. Jesus commanded us to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” Notice that Jesus’ command is active rather than passive. He didn’t command His disciples to think about the world. He didn’t ask His followers to say nice things about different people groups. Jesus commanded His disciples to “Go.”
This doesn’t mean all Christians should abandon their jobs, leave their families, and serve as international missionaries. However, it does mean all Christians should take an active role in spreading the gospel throughout the world—and it certainly means we should be open to the possibility of physically traveling to other places to spread the gospel.
How would you describe your experiences with missions?
Notice also that Jesus’ command involves “all nations.” Jesus died for the sins of all people, which means the gospel has power for every tribe and nationality across the world. We cannot forget that Jesus has commanded us, His disciples, to proclaim the gospel message to all who need to hear it.
To ignore the spiritual needs of people outside our own country is to disobey the Great Commission and ignore what Christ has commanded.
Volume 1, Session 12 excerpt from Disciples Path: The Journey