The Great Commissioning

The Great Commissioning

Text: Matthew 28:16–20 (CSB)

Theme: Christ has commanded His Church to make disciples through going, baptizing, and teaching, empowered by His authority and presence.

Thesis: The Great Commission is the Church’s lasting mandate, rooted in Christ’s authority, carried out through our obedience, and sustained by His presence.

Matthew 28:16–20 (CSB)

16 The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them.17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted.

17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted.18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.

18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.19 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,

19 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,20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

I. The Authority of Christ (v. 18)

“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.”

A. The Declaration of Power

Jesus doesn’t begin the Great Commission with the assignment—but with His authority.

Authority (exousia) speaks of legal right and divine power.

This authority isn’t newly acquired; it's confirmed through His resurrection (Romans 1:4).

He is not just a teacher; He is the sovereign King.

Explanation:

We affirm Jesus Christ is Lord of all. He is the Head of the Church (Col. 1:18), and His words are binding.

Illustration:A sheriff acts not in his own name but in the name of the law. We evangelize not in our own strength, but under 

A sheriff acts not in his own name but in the name of the law. We evangelize not in our own strength, but under Christ’s command and backing.

Application:We are not free to redefine the mission of the Church. We are 

We are not free to redefine the mission of the Church. We are under orders. Any attempt to replace evangelism with entertainment or social work alone is to act without authorization.

B. The Scope of Power

Jesus doesn’t say He has authority in Jerusalem only, or even just in heaven, but in heaven and on earth.

He is Lord of both the spiritual and the physical, the seen and unseen.

Every corner of creation falls under His rule, and thus, every place is a mission field.

Supporting Verses:

Philippians 2:10–11 – “...every knee will bow...every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”

Revelation 1:5 – “the ruler of the kings of the earth.”

Application:There is no government, no classroom, no country, no home, and no heart that is off-limits to Jesus. We 

There is no government, no classroom, no country, no home, and no heart that is off-limits to Jesus. We go with divine authorization and heaven’s backing.

II. The Assignment from Christ (vv. 19–20a)

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations...”

This is the central imperative—“make disciples.” The other verbs (go, baptize, teach) are how we fulfill that command.

A. Go with Intentionality

“Go” implies movement. The Greek participle suggests a lifestyle of going, not just a one-time mission trip.

It’s not only the pastor who goes. It’s the Church—every believer.

You “go” to your workplace, school, neighborhood, ballgames, and grocery store.

Explanation:This is not passive. It's not "wait for them to come." Jesus says, "

This is not passive. It's not "wait for them to come." Jesus says, "You go."

Baptists have always been a sending people—from the Jerusalem church in Acts 13 to Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong.

Illustration:You can’t fish in the bathtub and expect a harvest. 

You can’t fish in the bathtub and expect a harvest. Fish live in deep waters—and the lost live outside the church walls.

Application:Are we sitting in the pews hoping the lost walk in—or are we 

Are we sitting in the pews hoping the lost walk in—or are we taking the gospel to them? Go doesn’t require a passport—just a willing heart.

B. Make Disciples Intentionally

This is the main verb—not “make converts,” not “grow attenders,” but disciples.

A disciple is a learner, a follower, a committed apprentice of Jesus.

The early church didn’t just proclaim salvation—they nurtured spiritual growth (Acts 2:42).

Explanation:Evangelism is the 

Evangelism is the first step, not the last step. Discipleship is a lifelong journey of obedience, shaped by the Word, the Spirit, and the Church.

Application:Does your church have a plan not just to save souls, but to 

Does your church have a plan not just to save souls, but to grow saints? Are your Sunday School classes and small groups forming people into disciples?

C. Baptize with Identity

“...baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...”

Baptism follows conversion—it’s a symbol, not a sacrament.

Baptism is by immersion (Greek baptizo), which symbolizes death, burial, and resurrection.

It’s done in the name (singular) of the Triune God—an affirmation of our doctrinal faith.

Explanation:In Baptist life, we affirm 

In Baptist life, we affirm believer’s baptism as a public declaration of personal salvation, and entrance into church fellowship.

Illustration:Baptism is the wedding ring of the Christian life. It doesn’t save you, but it shows the world 

Baptism is the wedding ring of the Christian life. It doesn’t save you, but it shows the world you belong to Jesus.

Application:If you've trusted Christ but haven’t been biblically baptized, you’re 

If you've trusted Christ but haven’t been biblically baptized, you’re living in disobedience to the first step of your discipleship.

D. Teach for Transformation

“...teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.”

Teaching is not just imparting information, but developing application.

The word “observe” (tereo) means to guard, hold fast, obey.

We are to teach the whole counsel of God, not just the parts people like.

Explanation:Churches that only teach motivational messages are producing 

Churches that only teach motivational messages are producing weak disciples. Solid teaching produces strong Christians 

Hebrews 5:12–14 “12 Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the basic principles of God’s revelation again. You need milk, not solid food. 13 Now everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced with the message about righteousness, because he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature—for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil.”

Application:If your discipleship ministries only tickle ears, you’ll raise up a generation that can’t stand in the day of testing. 

If your discipleship ministries only tickle ears, you’ll raise up a generation that can’t stand in the day of testing. Sound doctrine matters.

III. The Assurance of Christ (v. 20b)

“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Jesus doesn’t only give us a command—He gives us a companion.

A. Christ’s Presence is Personal

“I am with you.”

This is relational, not abstract. He is with you—in your weakness, fear, and efforts.

The Holy Spirit is Christ’s presence with us today (John 14:16–18).

Illustration:Missionaries tell of feeling the presence of Christ more 

Missionaries tell of feeling the presence of Christ more intensely in difficult places. Why? Because He is especially near to those on mission.

Application:If you feel distant from Jesus, maybe it’s because you’ve stopped 

If you feel distant from Jesus, maybe it’s because you’ve stopped doing what He’s doing. He is still reaching the lost. Are you with Him?

B. Christ’s Presence is Perpetual

“To the end of the age.”

He didn’t just promise His presence to the apostles—He promised it to the Church until He returns.

The mission hasn’t ended, and neither has His power or presence.

Supporting Verse:

Hebrews 13:5 – “I will never leave you or abandon you.”

Application:This promise isn’t for those who spectate—it’s for those who participate. The Commission is difficult—but 

This promise isn’t for those who spectate—it’s for those who participate. The Commission is difficult—but you are never alone in doing it.

Conclusion: Will You Fulfill the Commission or Forfeit It?

Jesus didn’t ask the disciples, “Are you ready for church growth?” He commanded them, “Go make disciples.” This Commission is not outdated. It is our defining task.

Quote:“The mark of a great church is not its seating capacity, but its sending capacity.” – Mike Stachura

“The mark of a great church is not its seating capacity, but its sending capacity.” – Mike Stachura

Call to Commitment:

For the Lost: Have you responded to the gospel? Today is the day of salvation.

For the Church Member: Are you actively participating in the Great Commission?

For the Disciple-Maker: Who are you discipling right now? Name them.

For the Church: Will our church be a sending church or a sitting church?

Closing Prayer:“Lord,

“Lord, You’ve given the orders. Help us to go, to reach, to baptize, and to teach. Help us to be a Great Commission Church—for Your glory and by Your grace.”