The Great Commission
Notes
Transcript
The Great Commission: Our Divine Mandate
Matthew 28:18-20
Opening illustration: Share a personal story about receiving important instructions or authority from someone you trust (parent, teacher, mentor)
Connection: Just as we take seriously instructions from those with authority, Jesus gives us our most important mission with His ultimate authority
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19 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,
20 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.” Amen.
I. The Source of Our Mission: Divine Authority (10-12 minutes)
I. The Source of Our Mission: Divine Authority (10-12 minutes)
A. "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (v.18)
A. "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (v.18)
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
This declaration follows His resurrection, proving His victory over death and sin.
Jesus speaks as the risen Lord:
His authority is absolute—there is no higher power.
In heaven – Jesus reigns over spiritual forces (Ephesians 1:20-21
20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,
21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
The scope of "all authority":
On earth – He governs all human affairs, rulers, and nations (Revelation 1:5
5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,
Over creation – Every realm is under His dominion (Colossians 1:16-17
16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.
Given by the Father (John 5:22-23
22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son,
23 that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.
The significance of "has been given":
Fulfills Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is given everlasting dominion.
13 “I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him.
14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.
Represents divine appointment and approval—Jesus is the rightful King.
B. Application for Today's Church
B. Application for Today's Church
Like ambassadors, we carry a message that is not our own (2 Corinthians 5:20
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
We don’t go in our own strength or authority:
Our confidence comes from His authority, not our eloquence or knowledge.
Just as soldiers trust their commanding officer, we follow Christ’s orders with full confidence.
Understanding our position under His authority:
Obedience is not optional—it is the mark of a true disciple (John 14:15
15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.
Imagine an ambassador meeting with world leaders—he speaks with the full backing of his nation.
The privilege of representing divine authority:
We represent the Kingdom of God wherever we go.
This should lead us to boldness, but also humility—because it is Christ’s power at work in us.
→ Call to Action: Are you living with the confidence that comes from Christ’s authority, or are you relying on your own strength?
II. The Scope of Our Mission: All Nations (10-12 minutes)
II. The Scope of Our Mission: All Nations (10-12 minutes)
A. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (v.19)
A. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (v.19)
19 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,
The Greek verb implies “as you are going”—evangelism is a way of life, not a one-time event.
Understanding the command to "Go":
Every Christian is called to this mission, not just pastors or missionaries.
The Greek word ethne refers to all ethnic groups, not just geographical nations.
The meaning of "all nations":
The gospel transcends race, culture, and nationality (Galatians 3:28
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Evangelism is not just about conversions—it’s about lifelong transformation.
The process of making disciples:
A disciple is someone who learns, grows, and then disciples others.
B. Practical Applications for Our Church
B. Practical Applications for Our Church
Family members, neighbors, and coworkers are our first mission field.
Starting with our immediate sphere:
Like Andrew in John 1:41, we start by sharing Christ with those closest to us.
41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ).
Language: Finding ways to communicate the gospel effectively.
Breaking down barriers:
Culture: Understanding different perspectives and showing Christ’s love.
Age: Reaching every generation by meeting them where they are.
Identifying unreached groups in our area—who isn’t hearing the gospel?
Strategic thinking for local impact:
Partnering with other churches and ministries to reach our community.
Using our unique gifts to connect with people (hospitality, music, social media, etc.).
→ Call to Action: Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus? How can you begin engaging them today?
III. The Substance of Our Mission (10-12 minutes)
III. The Substance of Our Mission (10-12 minutes)
A. The Three-fold Task (v.19-20)
A. The Three-fold Task (v.19-20)
19 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,
20 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.” Amen.
1. Baptizing them
1. Baptizing them
A public declaration of faith in Christ.
The significance of baptism:
Identifies us with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:4
4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Entry into the family of believers (Acts 2:41
41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
Baptism is not just a ritual—it is the beginning of discipleship.
The responsibility of the church:
We must prepare people for baptism and guide them in their faith.
2. Teaching them
2. Teaching them
Not just facts, but transformation—knowing and living out the gospel.
The content of our teaching:
Covering foundational truths (salvation, holiness, love) and deeper doctrines.
Formal instruction (sermons, Bible studies).
The methods of teaching:
Life-on-life discipleship (mentorship, small groups).
Leading by example—showing, not just telling.
Maturity in Christ (Ephesians 4:13-14
13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
The goal of teaching:
Equipping believers to disciple others.
3. Observing all Jesus commanded
3. Observing all Jesus commanded
Christianity is not just about knowing—it’s about doing (James 1:22
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
The importance of obedience:
The Holy Spirit empowers us to live in obedience.
Jesus’ commands touch every area of life—finances, relationships, work, and witness.
The scope of obedience:
It’s a lifelong journey of growth and surrender.
B. Practical Implementation
B. Practical Implementation
New believer courses.
Creating discipleship pathways:
Ongoing spiritual growth tracks.
Leadership development for those called to teach others.
Everyone has a role in the mission of the church (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)
Utilizing every member’s gifts:
Encouraging members to serve according to their strengths.
Not just numbers, but transformed lives.
Measuring success biblically:
Celebrating faithfulness in sharing, not just visible results.
Keeping an eternal perspective—God is at work even when we don’t see immediate change.
→ Call to Action: What is one step you can take today to be more intentional in discipling others?
Conclusion & Final Prayer
Conclusion & Final Prayer
[Previous Conclusion section remains the same, but you could add:]
Final Challenge:
"The Great Commission is not a suggestion—it is our divine mandate. Jesus has all authority, He has commanded us to go, and He promises to be with us. Will we be faithful to His calling?"
