{"id":34775,"date":"2026-03-11T09:29:40","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T13:29:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mintools.com\/blog\/?p=34775"},"modified":"2026-03-11T09:29:40","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T13:29:40","slug":"the-great-commission","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mintools.com\/blog\/the-great-commission.htm","title":{"rendered":"What’s the Significance of the Great Commission?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Why call Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:18-20 a Commission?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” (2 Cor. 5:18-21)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Why call the Great Commission “Great”?<\/h2>\n

To answer that, let’s first consider what it can’t mean.<\/p>\n