- The Great Commission is a command – not a request, not an “if we feel like it”, not a suggestion, not if it is convenient for us … and certainly NOT optional.
Jesus did not call us to make converts, but disciples!
This is the main thing for each individual Christian and church congregation – not just an add-on task after the traditions of man.
The initial point of discipleship is do what Jesus just said: “Go. Make disciples!” – it must be the first and primary step of becoming a mature Christian and disciple in His church!
2. In essence, what did Jesus just do?
Jesus regained the authority forfeited by Adam to satan through sin, then gave it right back to mankind (rather than taking it back to heaven because of our negligence).
Jesus provided salvation to us through His death and resurrection, but this is only the starting point in our relationship with God.
Unfortunately, many churches stop here – believing in the gospel of salvation [which does not actually exist in Scriptures] and assuming the rest will take care of itself.
Jesus modeled discipleship for us – it is always based on relationship to be effective and efficient – and always intentional, never accidental or incidental!
It does not function in “big church meetings” on Sundays – not the primary purpose of these services!
Discipleship happens in small groups (regardless of what we call them).
All of us make disciples whether we recognize it or not (parents, co-workers, etc.) – what is important – are you making positive ones or negative ones through your words, decisions, and example?
3. Additional Scriptures confirming the Great Commission mandates:
The Great Commission according to Mark 16:14-20 – Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through accompanying signs. Amen.
There are no boundaries, exceptions, or limitations to this command.
Shouldn’t we make it part of our Christian lifestyle?
Acts 1:8-9 (Luke) – But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
Luke defined the four key levels of evangelism: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and Ends of the Earth.
Matthew 24:14 – And this gospel of the kingdom (not salvation) will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations [ethne], and then the end will come.
Jesus, Himself, gave us the finish line for the Great Commission! Are you listening?