The Great Commission

 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway,  even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20

The Great Commission is one of the most significant passages in the Holy Bible. Firstly, it's the last recorded personal instruction given by Jesus to His disciples. Secondly, it is a special calling from Jesus Christ to all His followers to take specific action while on this earth. The Great Commission is the end of the Gospel and the beginning of faith in action for all Christians. There are four major observations that start with “ALL” in these verses; we shall deal with them one by one. 

a) All Power (18b):
 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."
This is an incredibly powerful statement which demands faith in Jesus Christ, validating His power and authority in the lives of Christians and their commitment to Him. This verse acts as a clear claim to Christ's omnipotence, and therefore His deity. If Christians do not believe this statement, complete faith does not exist. Jesus is very clear about His power and authority in the world - it is complete and total from the beginning of time itself (John 1:1-3, Col 1:16-18). 

b) All nations,(19a):
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"

In verse 19, Jesus gives His believers specific directions to follow after they had affirmed their faith. Jesus calls all His followers to act and share the Good News of salvation throughout the world. People hear this calling and travel each year on missionary trips throughout the earth, spreading the Word of Jesus Christ. Many Christians have made incredible sacrifices, travelling to remote regions of the world beyond civilized cities to jungle and desert areas. Mission fields can also be very close to home. It could be a neighbouring area which has not heard the Good News or a poverty stricken area just down the road where the people can't afford Bibles.

In the 21st century, the Internet has become a “mission field” where people can reach out and share Christ's love. The places and people who need to hear the Gospel are everywhere! 

c) All things: (v20a):
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:”

Finally, in verse 20a, Jesus provides specific direction with affirmation to His followers; Christians are instructed to teach others about Jesus Christ and the entirety of His truth. We can't profess Christ as Saviour and Lord, while rejecting certain of His teachings. 

d) Always with you (20b):
…lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

As we teach Christ's truths, verse 20b declares that we can be confident, in faith, that Jesus Christ will support us. This fact has proven trustworthy throughout the centuries as millions of believers have heard, accepted and shared the Good News of Jesus Christ. Yes, Christ has ascended back to heaven, but He is present by the power of the Holy Spirit in every believer!

This great commission is packaged with a promise that “He is with us always, even unto the end of the world.” Here we are expected to obey in order to receive this great blessing.

Jesus calls every Christian to step out in faith and spread the “Good News”. This is faith in action! People who obey this command change their spiritual lives forever! It could be spreading the Good News to a neighbour or moving to another country to teach the people there. It could be sharing with less fortunate kids down the street or spreading the Word in our own neighbourhood. Wherever we go, every faithful Christian is compelled through obedience to share the Gospel. If you're a believer in Jesus Christ, where has He called you to go? Who has God put on your heart to share the gift of salvation? What small or large steps can you take, with the knowledge that Christ will be by your side, "to make disciples of all nations"?