The Great Commission is Jesus’ command to His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything He commanded. It is recorded in Matthew 28:18–20:
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'” (Matthew 28:18–20)
This commission rests on the authority of Christ, who declared that all authority in heaven and earth belongs to Him. The command involves three main elements:
Go – The gospel is not confined to one nation or people but is for all. This requires intentional mission and outreach.
Make disciples – The goal is not just converts but committed followers who obey Christ.
Baptizing and teaching – Baptism marks identification with Christ and His church, while teaching ensures growth in obedience and understanding.
Jesus’ promise to be with His followers “always” assures us that this mission is carried out in His presence and power. The Great Commission extends beyond the original disciples, it is the ongoing task of the church until the end of the age.
This command is foundational to Christian mission and evangelism. It demonstrates that spreading the gospel is not optional but central to the life of every believer. It also affirms the universal scope of salvation, Christ came for all people, and His followers are called to proclaim His name to the ends of the earth.