Before ascending back to heaven, Jesus commanded His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:18-20). This command has come to be known as the Great Commission. We don’t find the term “Great Commission” in the Bible, except perhaps in the man-made headings which were not a part of the original text.
We don’t know for certain who coined the term Great Commission, but the missionary Hudson Taylor used the term in the late 1800’s when recruiting missionaries. Let’s consider how the term fits Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:18-20.
Why call Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:18-20 a Commission?
When we commission someone, we authorize them to accomplish a certain duty. Jesus did just that, noting in verse 18 His authority to command His disciples to go and make disciples. This is a charge He has given us.
Elsewhere Scripture identifies believers as co-workers, or co-laborers, with Christ (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor. 6:1). We are therefore on mission with Him. He has given us a message of reconciliation to proclaim. “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” (2 Cor. 5:18-21)
And, let’s not forget that Jesus is with us as we go and make disciples. Jesus ends His commission with, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). We truly are on mission with Him.
Why call the Great Commission “Great”?
To answer that, let’s first consider what it can’t mean.
- It cannot be great in the sense of it being the only command. We find many other commands in Scripture for followers of Jesus.
- It cannot be great in the sense of it being the highest, most important command. Jesus Himself identified love for God as the greatest commandment, followed by love for other people (Matt. 22:37-40).
So, what then could make it a “Great” Commission?
- Perhaps it’s great because the One who commissioned us is great. “All authority in heaven and on earth” belongs to Jesus (Matt. 28:18).
- Maybe it’s great because of how far reaching it is. To “make disciples of all nations” suggests a broad outreach.
- Could it be great because of how encompassing it is? Making disciples goes beyond leading someone to salvation through Jesus. It involves “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything” He commanded. That suggests helping people get beyond having Jesus as their Savior to also allowing Him to be the Lord of their lives – fully devoted followers of Jesus.
- Perhaps it’s great because Jesus is present with us as we go and make disciples. He said, “surely I am with you always” (Matt. 28:20).
Obviously all of the above go into making it a “Great” Commission, regardless of why someone originally called it that.
Resources by Ministry Tools Resource Center:
- For Church Leaders and the Great Commission: Steering the Church Toward Discipleship Leadership Guide
- For Others: Outreach Resources