The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, is a command given by Jesus to his disciples shortly before his ascension into heaven. In these verses, Jesus says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This command, also known as the Great Commission, is of great importance to Christian churches and believers today because it represents the central mission of the church – to spread the gospel message of Jesus Christ to all people, in all nations, and to make disciples of all those who believe.
One reason the Great Commission is so important is that it reflects the heart of God for the salvation of all people. God loves all people, regardless of their race, nationality, or background, and desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). The Great Commission is the means through which God’s love and salvation can be made known to all people, and it is the responsibility of the church to carry out this mission.
Another reason the Great Commission is important is that it is a command from Jesus himself. As the Son of God, Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18), and his commands should be obeyed by those who follow him. By obediently carrying out the Great Commission, Christians demonstrate their submission to the lordship of Jesus and their desire to follow his will for their lives.
The Great Commission is also important because it is the means through which the church can fulfill its role as the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14). As the salt of the earth, the church has the ability to preserve and transform society by sharing the gospel message and living out the teachings of Jesus. As the light of the world, the church shines as a beacon of hope and truth, shining the light of Christ into a dark and lost world.
The Great Commission is a crucial command for Christian churches and believers today. It reflects the heart of God for the salvation of all people, is a command from Jesus himself, and is the means through which the church can fulfill its role as salt and light in the world. It is a call to action, a call to make disciples of all nations, and a call to share the gospel message with the world..
Check our academic programs here.
