The Great Commission

The Great Commission refers to Jesus’ post-resurrection instructions to his disciples to spread his teachings throughout the world. Matthew 28:19-20 contains the content of the Great Commission: “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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The Lord Jesus gave this command to His disciples shortly before His ascension, outlining what He expected of them and all His followers during His time away from the earth.

The Great Commission is not just about evangelism and leading people to faith for salvation; it is about making disciples of all nations for the King of the kingdom, preparing them to reign with Christ in His kingdom (Revelation 20). The Lord Jesus first wants to gather many disciples who will sit on the throne with Him, fulfilling God’s original plan for humanity: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and govern it” (Genesis 1:28). Only then will the kingdom of God come to earth. Fulfilling the Great Commission is the precondition for the Lord’s promise to “be with you always.” The phrase “until the end of the age” means until the time of the Lord’s return. Thus, the Great Commission is an instruction for all believers until Jesus returns. The Lord Jesus is Immanuel, which means “God with us.” He is now with us in the Holy Spirit, with all authority in heaven and on earth, so that we may receive heavenly authority to fulfill the Great Commission.