The final words of a leader often carry profound weight, encapsulating their ultimate vision and purpose. For believers in Jesus Christ, these words are not merely historical relics but living commands that shape their very existence. Among the most pivotal of these is what has come to be known as The Great Commission, found in the concluding verses of the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 28:18-20, our Lord Jesus Christ, having risen triumphantly from the grave, imparts to His disciples a mandate that extends through all generations until His return. This is not a suggestion but a divine imperative, rooted in Christ's absolute authority and empowered by His eternal presence. A closer examination of these verses reveals the depth of their meaning and the breadth of their implications for every follower of Christ.
The Authority of the Commission: All Power Given
The Great Commission does not begin with an exhortation to human effort, but with an affirmation of divine power. Jesus opens His declaration with a foundational statement of His sovereignty:
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
This verse is the bedrock upon which the entire commission rests. The Greek word for "power" here is exousia, denoting authority, jurisdiction, and the right to act. This is not power seized, but power "given" – implying a divine investiture, confirmed by His resurrection and ascension. Christ's authority is universal, encompassing "heaven and in earth." This means His dominion extends over all spiritual forces, all earthly governments, all natural laws, and every individual soul. It is an unassailable, comprehensive authority that leaves no domain untouched. Without this absolute power, the commission would be an impossible task, a human endeavor destined for failure. But because the One who commands is the One who holds all power, the mission is not only possible but divinely assured of ultimate success. Believers are not sent forth in their own strength, but as ambassadors of the King of kings, whose decrees cannot be thwarted. This understanding instills courage and confidence, knowing that the one who sends us is fully capable of upholding His word and empowering His servants.
The Mandate: Go, Teach, Baptize
Having established His supreme authority, Christ then issues the direct command to His disciples. The very next word, "Go," is an active participle, implying that as they are going about their lives, they are to be engaged in this mission. It is not a call to a select few, but a directive to all who would follow Him, to actively participate in the expansion of His kingdom.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,
The primary action that follows "Go" is "teach all nations." The word "teach" here is the Greek word matheteuo, which means "to make disciples." It is a comprehensive process that involves more than mere instruction; it implies bringing individuals into a relationship with Christ, where they learn to follow Him and become His devoted learners. The scope is "all nations" (Greek: panta ta ethne), which refers to all ethnic groups, all peoples, all segments of humanity, not just political nations. This universal scope shatters any notion of a localized or culturally confined gospel. The message of salvation is for every tongue, tribe, people, and nation, demonstrating God's boundless love and His desire for all to come to repentance and faith.
Integral to this discipling process is the command to be "baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Baptism is the outward sign of an inward transformation, a public declaration of one's identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). It signifies entrance into the visible body of Christ, the church. The Trinitarian formula underscores the divine nature of the Christian faith and the equal participation of all three persons of the Godhead in the work of salvation. This act of baptism is not merely ritualistic; it is a profound spiritual act that marks the beginning of a new life in Christ, a life lived under the Lordship of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.
The Curriculum: Teaching to Observe All Things
The commission does not end with conversion and baptism; it extends to the ongoing process of spiritual growth and obedience. Discipleship is a lifelong journey, and Jesus specifies its content:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
This part of the command emphasizes the practical outworking of faith. It's not enough to simply know what Christ commanded; disciples must be taught "to observe" them, meaning to obey, to practice, and to live according to His instructions. This involves a comprehensive education in the doctrines, ethics, and principles of the Christian faith, as revealed through Christ's teachings in the Gospels and further expounded by the Holy Spirit through the apostles in the New Testament epistles. "All things whatsoever I have commanded you" is a vast curriculum, encompassing:
- The Two Great Commandments: Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39).
- The Sermon on the Mount: The foundational principles of kingdom living (Matthew 5, Matthew 6, Matthew 7).
- The Call to Self-Denial: Taking up one's cross and following Christ (Matthew 16:24).
- The Necessity of Holiness: Being perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48).
- The Practice of Prayer: Continual communion with God (Luke 18:1).
The Promise: Christ's Abiding Presence
The weight of such a monumental task might seem overwhelming were it not for the glorious promise that concludes the commission. Jesus does not send His disciples out alone; He assures them of His perpetual presence:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
This promise is the ultimate encouragement and empowerment for all who undertake the Great Commission. "Lo, I am with you alway" signifies an unbroken, continuous presence. The Greek word for "alway" (pasas tas hemeras) means "all the days" or "every day." This is not a conditional presence, but an enduring one, extending "even unto the end of the world" (or "the consummation of the age"). This promise ensures that:
Conclusion: The Enduring Call
The Great Commission, as articulated in Matthew 28:18-20, is far more than a historical command; it is the living mandate for the church in every generation. It defines the very purpose of Christian existence on earth. It begins with the absolute authority of the resurrected Christ, who has all power in heaven and earth. It charges believers to "go" actively into the world, to "make disciples of all nations" by proclaiming the gospel, leading them to repentance and faith, and initiating them into the fellowship of believers through baptism. Crucially, it continues with the vital work of "teaching them to observe all things whatsoever" Christ has commanded, ensuring that converts grow into obedient and mature followers. And underpinning this entire monumental task is the glorious, unfailing promise of Christ's perpetual presence, empowering and sustaining His church "alway, even unto the end of the world."
For every believer today, the Great Commission is a personal call to action. It is not merely a task for missionaries or pastors, but a shared responsibility of the entire body of Christ. Whether through direct evangelism, faithful discipleship, supporting those on the mission field, or living a life that exemplifies Christ's teachings, each Christian is called to participate in fulfilling this divine mandate. The authority is His, the mission is ours, and the presence is His. Let us, therefore, with boldness and faith, embrace this eternal commission, knowing that the King of kings walks with us until His glorious return.