The Great Commission
By George Stroh
May 23, 2022
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19, 20)
It is called "The Great Commission", Jesus' final charge to his eleven disciples after His resurrection and before His ascension into heaven; And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. (Acts 1:9) These first disciples, later known as Christians, became the Apostles of Jesus, proclaiming His gospel throughout the known world. Jesus said, "Go" or probably better translated, "Having therefore gone" or "wherever you go", make disciples (Christians).
Jesus assured them that they wouldn't be carrying out this evangelistic responsibility in their own power, but by the power of God; But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth. (Acts 1:8) These disciples were also told to teach the newly minted Christians to observe or obey all that Jesus commanded them.
These first Christian disciples have long ago gone home to Jesus. There have been many generations of Christian believers over the past 2,000 years that have obediently carried on the great commission, telling others about the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. And now it is our turn, all true born again Christians, to proclaim the saving gospel, as well as, all of God's word wherever in the world He takes us; How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? (Romans 10:14)
We each have differing spheres of influence, acquaintances, and unique opportunities available to make Jesus Christ and His saving gospel known. The great commission is now our responsibility today and everyday until we meet the Lord in the air at the rapture of the Church or until we go home to Him in glory.
Maranatha!