WHAT MAKES THE GREAT COMMISSION GREAT?

"All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:18-20).

This text, spoken by Jesus to his apostles, is often referred to as the great commission. But, have you ever wondered what makes the great commission great? First, the great commission is great because of its authority. Jesus said all power (meaning all authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Jesus now rules in heaven (I Peter 3:22) and over the kings of the earth (Revelation 1:5). Jesus’ words in the great commission affirm his deity, as do numerous scriptures throughout the Bible (Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1, John 20:28, Acts 20:28, Romans 9:5, Philippians 2:6, Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 1:8, Titus 2:13). Jesus had an inherent right to authority because of his being the creator (John 1:1-3), the heir (Hebrews 1:2), and the redeemer (Acts 20:28). We are to listen to Christ’s words as well as the words of his apostles.

Second, the great commission is great because of its scope. Notice Jesus commanded his apostles to teach all nations. Jesus was not referring to governments as much as he was referring to all races of men. All races are made from one blood (Acts 17:26). From mark’s account, we know Jesus told his disciples to go into all the world. The apostles were to be witnesses to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8). It is imperative that we do all we can to take the gospel to as many people as we can. Jesus said go but sadly, we often say come.

Third, the great commission is great because of its purpose. Jesus’ disciples were to teach all nations. The ASV indicates they were to make disciples (learners) of them. They were to baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost (Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3, Galatians 3:27, I Peter 3:21).

The great commission is great because of its authority, its scope, and its purpose. Just as Jesus’ words motivated his disciples to do great things, we ought to be motivated by Jesus words to also do great things.