The Great Commission, recorded in Matthew 28:18-20, provides a foundational understanding of the church’s mission. While Jesus initially addressed this charge to His apostles, its principles continue to guide the work of the church today. Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” This directive outlines the church’s primary responsibilities: recognizing Christ’s authority, evangelizing the world, baptizing believers, and stabilizing their faith.
Recognizing the Authority of Christ
In verse 18, Jesus affirms His complete authority, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” The church’s mission begins with acknowledging and submitting to this authority. Acts 2:42 provides an example of early Christians devoting themselves to “the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” The church operates under the Lordship of Christ, guided by His Word as the ultimate standard.
Paul echoes this truth in Ephesians 1:22-23, stating, “And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and made Him head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Recognizing Christ’s authority is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment—it requires submission and obedience. When the church lives under His Lordship, it fulfills its mission to glorify God and proclaim His sovereignty.
Evangelizing the World
The second aspect of the Great Commission is the call to evangelize. Jesus commands in verse 19, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations.” This call extends beyond passive living—it requires intentional effort to share the gospel. In Mark 16:15, Jesus similarly instructed, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
Paul underscores the importance of evangelism in 1 Thessalonians 1:8, where he commends the Thessalonian church: “For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place the news of your faith toward God has gone out.” The church is uniquely tasked with bringing the message of salvation to a lost world, and there is no substitute for this work. Whether through preaching, teaching, or personal conversations, the church must actively engage in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
Baptizing Believers
Baptism plays a central role in the mission of the church. Jesus instructed the apostles to baptize disciples “in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Baptism is not merely a symbolic act; it signifies entry into Christ’s body, the church, and is an act of obedience to God.
Paul describes the spiritual significance of baptism in Romans 6:3-4: “Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.” Similarly, Galatians 3:26-27 states, “For you are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
Baptism also connects believers to the forgiveness of sins, as Peter proclaimed on Pentecost: “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Through baptism, the church grows and builds itself up, fulfilling its mission to bring people into the kingdom of God (Ephesians 4:12).
Stabilizing and Strengthening Believers
The final aspect of the Great Commission is the call to “teach them to follow all that I commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). Evangelism does not end with baptism; new believers must be taught, nurtured, and stabilized in their faith. Paul emphasizes the importance of this work in 2 Timothy 2:2: “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.”
Stabilizing believers involves teaching them to live according to the Spirit and avoid the works of the flesh. Romans 8:1-4 declares, “Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” By teaching new Christians how to walk in the Spirit and remain faithful, the church ensures their spiritual growth and strengthens the body of Christ.
Titus 2:11-12 further emphasizes the need for sound teaching: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age.” Stabilizing the faith of believers involves equipping them to live holy lives and continue faithfully in their walk with Christ. As Revelation 2:10 reminds us, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
The Church’s Unique Role
The church is uniquely equipped and mandated to carry out the Great Commission. No other institution or organization is qualified to fulfill this mission. The church is “the pillar and support of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15) and is responsible for proclaiming the gospel, administering baptism, and teaching believers to obey Christ’s commands.
This mission is not optional. Jesus’ final words to His disciples highlight the gravity of this task, and His promise to be with His church “to the end of the age” provides the encouragement and assurance needed to persevere (Matthew 28:20). The work of the church has eternal significance, as it brings the message of salvation to the lost and builds up the body of Christ.
Conclusion: Faithfully Fulfilling the Mission
The Great Commission offers a clear and compelling vision for the church’s mission. By recognizing Christ’s authority, evangelizing the world, baptizing believers, and stabilizing their faith, the church fulfills its God-given purpose. This mission is not confined to the first-century apostles—it remains the responsibility of every generation of believers.
As we carry out this work, we must rely on God’s guidance and power, trusting that His Word is sufficient to accomplish His purposes. Let us commit ourselves fully to the mission of the church, remembering Jesus’ promise: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
The Simple Gospel 