The Great Commission Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus’ mission (manifesto) was passed down to the disciples and so on, all the way down to us believers today.
Mark 16:15-18 is similar to Matthew 28:18-20
15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 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.”
Jesus’ manifesto was first passed to the 11 disciples and ultimately to the whole church including us- c.f Matthew 28:18-20 The Great Commission is our commission.
Many believers look for confirmation in a “calling.” But Jesus did not call some (or any) of his followers to his mission. Rather, he called them to himself and sent them on mission. If you are walking with Jesus, his manifesto is incumbent on you and me.
Every disciple must be a disciple-maker, whether God sends you down the street or to the other side of the world. As you go to work, to the grocery store, to the foodbank, or to the gym- live and love like Jesus. Be confident in his authority.
Mark 16:15-18 describes the full gospel: salvation from sin, deliverance from demons, healing and curing of sickness and disease, and immunity from poisons.
The next transmission of Jesus’ manifesto was in:
The Great Commission Matthew 28:18-20
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Consider the four “alls” of Christ’s commission, “All authority”, To go to “all nations”, To communicate “all his teaching,” strengthened by his presence “all the time” (translated always).
Jesus claims to have all authority in the universe to lead us on this journey. He claims that his teaching is the most important thing in life to follow and therefore, he claims that all nations need to know his teaching. And last but not least, he claims that he will be with us for all time.
Huge claims, and in the literal sense, incredible — you would not believe them unless Jesus is God.
Whatever, the four “alls” might mean for you and me and wherever the Lord takes us, be it near or far we must not let fear crowd out our faith. Jesus spoke these words to give us a task and to give us courage in and through the task. These four “alls” remind us that the burden is not on us but on Jesus Christ himself.
However, we are obliged to obey Jesus’ command, for the Great Commission is for every believer.
Amen
Personal Prayer
In Part 4 we consider the onward transmission of Jesus’ manifesto on the day of Pentecost.