The term "Great Commission" refers to the instructions given by Jesus Christ to His disciples after His resurrection and before His ascension into heaven. This mandate is primarily recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, though it is echoed in other parts of the New Testament. The Great Commission is foundational to Christian evangelism and missionary work, emphasizing the call to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations.

Biblical Foundation

The most direct account of the Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:18-20 : "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 all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"

This passage highlights several key elements:

1. Authority of Christ: Jesus begins by asserting His authority, which is both divine and comprehensive, encompassing all of heaven and earth. This authority underpins the command He gives, ensuring that His followers act under His sovereign power.

2. Mandate to Make Disciples: The central command is to "make disciples of all nations." This involves not only evangelism but also the nurturing and teaching of new believers to follow Christ's teachings.

3. Baptism: Baptism is presented as an essential step in the discipleship process, symbolizing the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is to be done "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," reflecting the Trinitarian nature of God.

4. Teaching Obedience: The commission includes the instruction to teach new disciples to obey all that Jesus commanded, emphasizing the importance of living out the teachings of Christ in daily life.

5. Promise of Christ's Presence: Jesus assures His followers of His continual presence "to the very end of the age," providing comfort and strength as they carry out His mission.

Other Scriptural References

The Great Commission is also reflected in other New Testament passages. In Mark 16:15-16 , Jesus instructs, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." This passage underscores the urgency and universality of the Gospel message.

In Luke 24:46-49 , Jesus explains that "repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem." He also promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will empower the disciples for this mission.

The Book of Acts records the early church's response to the Great Commission, beginning with Jesus' words in Acts 1:8 : "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Theological Significance

The Great Commission is a cornerstone of Christian theology and practice. It affirms the universal scope of the Gospel, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries. The command to make disciples is not limited to the original apostles but extends to all believers, making it a perpetual mission of the Church.

The Trinitarian formula for baptism highlights the unity and co-equality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, reinforcing core Christian doctrines. The emphasis on teaching and obedience reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, which calls believers to a life of holiness and service.

Historical Impact

Throughout history, the Great Commission has inspired countless missionary endeavors and the spread of Christianity across the globe. From the early church's expansion throughout the Roman Empire to modern missionary movements, this mandate has driven the Church to reach the unreached and establish communities of faith in diverse cultural contexts.

The Great Commission continues to challenge and inspire Christians today, calling them to participate in God's redemptive work in the world, empowered by the Holy Spirit and assured of Christ's abiding presence.