Saturday Read: The Great Commission - Go Therefore
Between his resurrection and ascension, Jesus gave his followers what we call the Great Commission. Matthew records it: "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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'" (Matthew 28:18-20).
This wasn't casual suggestion or optional recommendation. Jesus claimed total authority - "in heaven and on earth" - and based his command on that authority. "Therefore go" follows directly from "all authority has been given to me." Because Jesus has all authority, his followers must go make disciples. The commission flows from his cosmic kingship.
The setting matters. Jesus met his disciples on a mountain in Galilee, where he'd told them to go (Matthew 28:16). When they saw him, they worshiped - but some doubted. Even after seeing the risen Christ, some disciples still struggled with uncertainty. Jesus gave the Great Commission to a mixed group - worshipers and doubters together. He didn't wait until everyone was fully convinced before commissioning them. Doubt didn't disqualify them from mission.
"Make disciples of all nations" was revolutionary. Judaism had welcomed Gentile converts, but centered on Israel as God's chosen people. Jesus exploded those boundaries - not just Jews but all nations, every people group, the entire world. The gospel wasn't limited to one ethnicity, culture, or geographic region. It was universal truth for universal humanity.
The command has four verbs in Greek, but only one is imperative: "make disciples." The other three - going, baptizing, teaching - support the main command. Literally: "As you go, make disciples by baptizing and teaching." Making disciples is the mission. Baptizing and teaching are the means. Going is assumed - you'll be going places anyway, so make disciples as you go.
What does it mean to make disciples? Not just convert people or get them to pray a prayer. A disciple is a learner, follower, someone whose life is being transformed by Jesus. Making disciples means helping people encounter Christ, teaching them to follow him, and equipping them to obey his commands. It's comprehensive life transformation, not just intellectual assent to doctrine.
Baptism marks the beginning - public identification with Christ's death and resurrection. "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (Romans 6:4). Baptism symbolizes dying to old life and rising to new life in Christ. It's initiation into the community of faith.
Teaching them to obey - not just teaching them facts but teaching obedience - comes next. Knowledge without obedience isn't discipleship; it's academics. Jesus wants followers whose lives change because of what they learn. Obedience to "everything I have commanded you" is comprehensive - love God and neighbor, forgive enemies, serve humbly, live sacrificially, trust God's provision, pursue righteousness, make peace. Everything Jesus taught applies.
The promise that concludes the commission matters enormously: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Jesus was about to ascend to heaven, leaving his physical presence. But he promised continued presence through the Spirit. Making disciples isn't solo work that you do in Jesus's absence. It's partnership work you do in Jesus's presence. He's with you always - not sometimes, not when you feel spiritual, not when you succeed. Always.
Two thousand years later, this commission still stands. You're called to make disciples - not as professional missionary (though some are) but as ordinary follower of Jesus going about ordinary life. As you go to work, school, neighborhood, family gatherings - make disciples. Help people encounter Christ, follow him, and obey him. You don't need special credentials, perfect theology, or complete certainty. You need willingness to share what Christ has done for you and teach what Christ has commanded. That's enough. He promises to be with you while you do it.
