The Great Commission
When we think of the Great Commission, our minds automatically go to Matthew 28:18-20. One of the speakers at the Navigator conference in Glen Eyrie reminded us years ago that it was only one of five times that the Great Commission was given. In each situation there was a different emphasis to be considered. It was the last command, and in each of these five instances, it was only given to the eleven apostles. The reason for this is that only a disciple is able to make another disciple. In Matthew 28:18-20, we see the substance of the Great Commission. In Mark 16:15, we see the scope of the Great Commission. In Luke 24:46-47 we see how it is to be accomplished. In John 20:19-21, we see the cost involved in proclaiming the Gospel and in Acts 1:8, we see the strategy of the Great Commission.
The substance of the Great Commission has been extensively studied in Matthew 28:18-20. The main verb is to “make disciples,” and there are three participles to this command. “Go,” or “as you go,” “bring them into identification with Christ” {Baptize them into Christ), and “teach them to obey everything that I commanded you.” All three of these are important. Wherever we are, whatever we do, we are to allow the invisible Christ to be made visible in our lives. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him.” (II Corinthians 2:14) This part of the Great Commission will require time, prayer, and much cultivation in preparation for the planting. The sowing is usually a gradual process involving patience, prayer and perseverance. Following regeneration in Christ, the third aspect of making disciples must not be neglected, which is transformation into Christ likeness. “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” (Colossians 1:28)
In Mark 16:15, we find the scope of the Great Commission. “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.’” The focus on “all creation” reminds us that there is no one who is outside the reach of His Grace. Not only your neighbors, but the immigrants, the homeless, and those in prison must be a recipient of our prayers, compassion, and communication. God has called some to travel, to translate languages, and to penetrate different parts of the world with His message of salvation It is incumbent upon those He has not called to this particular mission, however, to give themselves to prayer and financial support to these efforts “Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’” (Matthew 9:37-38) As we stand before Him in Glory, He is going to have an interest in our faithfulness to his command to pray for, and to support these laborers.
Luke 24:46-47 tells us how the Great Commission is to be accomplished. “He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.’” The preaching is to include the need for repentance, a “changing of the mind,” as well as forgiveness in His name. In our eagerness to have others receive Christ, repentance may be easily bypassed resulting in “a decision” for Christ but without regeneration. The first word that Jesus spoke when He began to preach was “repent.” “From that time on Jesus began to preach ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.’” (Matthew 4:17) Those who heard Peter’s sermon on the day Pentecost asked “Brothers, what shall we do?, Peter replied,’Repent and be baptized, everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:37b)
In John 20:19-21, we are given a visual demonstration of the cost involved in sharing the Great Commission. “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After he said this he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you!’ As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’” His wounds were a visible testimony of the cost that would be involved. As He was sent into a hostile world which crucified Him, we are also being sent. In John 15:20, Our Lord said the following words to them. ”Remember the words I spoke to you! No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” He also gave them his promise in John 16:33. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
The strategy of the Great Commission is given to us in Acts 1:8. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The strategy is first and foremost dependence upon the Holy Spirit to live the life of Christ in us, to direct, empower and accomplish His work through us. It cannot be accomplished otherwise. To allow this to take place, we must be ever attentive to not grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30), to quench not the Spirit (I Thessalonians 5:19), to be filled (Be being continually controlled with the Spirit)(Ephesians 5:18), and to be led by the Spirit. (Galatians 5:18)
The Lord, on five separate occasions, gave the Great Commission to these eleven men. It was only until the coming of the Holy Spirit ten days later that they received His life anew and were enabled to obey His last and greatest command. Our relationship with and dependence upon the Holy Spirit is vital to accomplishing anything the Lord has for us to do. It is my prayer that the Holy Spirit will lead you into a life that fully reflects our Savior and accomplishes His work in and through your life.
In Christ, Richard Spann