The Divine Mandate: Go and Make Disciples

The Great Commission, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, stands as the paramount directive given by our Lord Jesus Christ to His disciples before His ascension into heaven. It is not merely a suggestion, but a divine mandate, a comprehensive command that encapsulates the very mission of the church and every believer. Found in Matthew 28:18-20, this commission calls us to a global undertaking: to "Go and make disciples of all nations." Understanding and obeying this command is central to fulfilling God's purpose for our lives and for His church in this present age.

All Power is Given Unto Me

Before issuing the command, Jesus first declared His absolute authority. This foundational truth empowers the entire mission:

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Matthew 28:18

This declaration is crucial. The task of making disciples of all nations is immense, seemingly impossible for mere mortals. However, it is not undertaken in our own strength or wisdom. The one who issues the command possesses "all power" – universal authority over every realm, both spiritual and physical. He is the Creator, Sustainer, and ultimate Judge. His resurrection from the dead confirmed His victory over sin, death, and the grave, solidifying His supreme authority. It is His power, not ours, that will accomplish this global task. When we go forth in obedience to His command, we do so under the banner of His omnipotence, assured that He has the authority to ensure its success.

The Imperative: Go and Make Disciples

With His authority established, Jesus then issues the core command:

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Matthew 28:19

This single verse contains several vital components that define our mission:

  • "Go ye therefore": This is an active, outward-focused command. It implies movement, intentionality, and a proactive approach. We are not to wait for the nations to come to us, but to go to them. This involves crossing cultural, geographical, and social barriers to proclaim the Gospel.
  • "and teach all nations": The KJV translates the Greek word matheteuo as "teach," but its primary meaning is "to make disciples." This is the central verb and the ultimate goal. Making disciples is far more than simply making converts. It involves leading individuals to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, then nurturing and guiding them to become committed followers, learners, and imitators of Him. A disciple is one who not only believes in Christ but also lives according to His teachings, submitting their entire life to His Lordship.
  • "all nations": The scope of the commission is universal. It excludes no people group, no tribe, no tongue. From the smallest villages to the largest cities, every ethnicity and language group is included in God's redemptive plan. This global vision challenges any narrow or localized understanding of our mission.
  • "baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost": Baptism is the public declaration of a new believer's faith and identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. It signifies their entrance into the covenant community of believers and their new life in Christ. The Trinitarian formula underscores the foundational truth of the Godhead and the comprehensive nature of salvation wrought by the Father's love, the Son's sacrifice, and the Holy Spirit's power.

Teaching Them to Observe All Things

The process of disciple-making extends beyond conversion and baptism. It involves ongoing instruction and transformation:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:

Matthew 28:20a

This phase of disciple-making is crucial for spiritual growth and maturity. It involves:

  • Systematic Instruction: Teaching believers the entirety of Christ's commands, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. This includes doctrine, ethics, worship, and practical living.
  • Emphasis on Obedience: The phrase "to observe" highlights the importance of living out what is taught. Discipleship is not merely intellectual assent but active obedience to God's Word. It's about applying biblical truths to daily life, transforming character, and conforming to the image of Christ.
  • Holistic Transformation: True discipleship impacts every area of a person's life – their thoughts, attitudes, words, and actions. It involves a continuous process of sanctification by the power of the Holy Spirit.

    • This implies that disciple-making is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. It requires patience, mentorship, and a commitment to nurturing new believers into mature followers of Christ who can, in turn, make other disciples.

    Lo, I Am With You Alway

    The magnitude of the Great Commission could overwhelm us, were it not for the glorious promise that accompanies it:

    and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

    Matthew 28:20b

    This is Christ's assurance of His perpetual presence. We do not embark on this mission alone. His abiding presence guarantees His power, guidance, comfort, and provision. The Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, indwells believers, empowering them to preach the Gospel, teach His commands, and live lives that glorify Him. This promise removes fear and instills confidence, knowing that the omnipotent Christ is actively involved in and overseeing the fulfillment of His own commission until His return.

    The Global Reach and Personal Call

    While Matthew's account is the most comprehensive, other passages illuminate aspects of the Great Commission:

    • Mark 16:15 states, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." This emphasizes the universal proclamation of the good news.
    • Luke 24:47 highlights the message: "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." The core message is repentance and forgiveness through Christ.
    • John 20:21 links our mission to Christ's own: "As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." We are sent with the same divine purpose and authority.
    • Acts 1:8 provides the power and progression: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." This outlines a progressive, Spirit-empowered expansion of witness.

    These passages collectively affirm that the Great Commission is not just for a select few, but for every believer. While some are called to cross-cultural missions, all are called to be disciple-makers in their sphere of influence. This can take many forms:

    • Personal Evangelism: Sharing the Gospel with friends, family, and acquaintances.
    • Mentorship: Discipling new believers in the faith.
    • Support: Praying for and financially supporting missionaries and ministries involved in global evangelism.
    • Living a Godly Life: Being a faithful witness through words and deeds in one's daily life.

    The Great Commission is the church's marching orders until Christ returns. It is our privilege and responsibility to participate in God's redemptive plan for humanity.

    Our Everlasting Mandate

    The Great Commission is more than a historical command; it is the living mandate for every generation of believers. It defines our identity and purpose as followers of Christ. To neglect it is to disregard the very heart of Christ's final instructions. May we, as His obedient disciples, embrace this divine calling with fervor, relying on His "all power" and resting in His enduring presence. Let us go forth, making disciples of all nations, to the glory of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, until the day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.