Creator, Father, King #251

Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

IF YOU WERE GOING on a long journey and knew you wouldn’t see your loved ones for a long time, your final moments with them would be incredibly important. You’d want your last words to be meaningful and remain with your friends and family forever.

This was the scene on the Mount of Olives just outside of Jerusalem about forty days after Jesus’ resurrection. The Savior’s redemptive mission on earth was finished. Now, it was time for him to return to the Father in heaven. But before he did, he had an extremely important message to give his disciples. Here’s what he told them:

I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Jesus’ message wasn’t only to his disciples that day two thousand years ago. It was to us, too. It’s called the great commission.

What’s It Mean?

Based on Jesus’ finished work of redemption, God the Father has given “all authority in heaven and on earth” to him (Matthew 28:18). Likewise, Jesus now delegates disciple-making authority to all believers, his representatives on earth.

If you are a Christian, your mission is to make disciples (Christ followers) of others. Only God can change human hearts, but he graciously works through us as we proclaim the gospel to others.

How do we do this? Well, did you notice one of the key verbs in the great commission? It’s one of the simplest words in the English language: go.

The Christian life isn’t about inertia. It’s about movement and action for God’s glory and gospel advancement! Use the spiritual gifts, talents, and interests that the Lord has given you to proclaim the glorious message of salvation in Christ.

You’ve been commissioned. Now go make disciples!

Now What?

Prayerfully consider serving in one of these disciple-making ways: your church’s children’s ministry, a faith-based summer kids camp, an inner-city mission, or a short-term missions trip.

Did You Know?

After Jesus commissioned his disciples, he ascended into heaven, where he has been ever since. One day, he will return to judge the wicked and inaugurate his eternal Kingdom (Revelation 19–21).