In the heart of every Christian beats a profound desire to share the message of Christ’s love and salvation with the world. This longing to fulfill the Great Commission, as given by Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20, is at the core of our faith. While Jesus’ last command has been the source of countless messages, books, and articles there still seems to be a certain paralysis that comes over even the most passionate of Christ followers. Could it be that as much as we desire to obey, we don’t quite know what to do?
Before diving into how we can fulfill the Great Commission, let’s revisit what it actually entails. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
This command is a profound call to action for every believer, emphasizing three essential aspects:
Evangelism: We are called to share the gospel, the message of God’s love, grace, and salvation through Jesus Christ. This is the foundation of the Great Commission.
Discipleship: It’s not just about converting individuals but also nurturing them in their faith journey. We are to help new believers grow spiritually, teaching them the ways of Christ.
Global Outreach: The Great Commission is not limited by geography or cultural boundaries. We are to make disciples of “all nations,” which means our mission extends to every corner of the world.
Let’s explore practical ways to fulfill this divine mandate.
Prayer: Start with prayer. Seek God’s guidance and empowerment in your efforts to fulfill the Great Commission. Pray for opportunities to share the gospel, for receptive hearts, and for the strength to persevere in your mission.
Personal Evangelism: Engage in one-on-one conversations with friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances about your faith. Share your personal testimony and the hope you’ve found in Christ.
Missions: While not everyone is called to personally travel overseas, everyone is personally called to be a part of spreading the gospel to every tribe, tongue, and people group. Financially supporting mission organizations who are working to spread the gospel in unreached areas is one way you can do this, if you yourself aren’t called to go. Among many other organizations, GCM is one that prioritizes spreading the gospel to the darkest places and beyond. If you don’t currently support overseas missions, consider joining the team by becoming a monthly partner.
Fulfilling the Great Commission is not an option for Christians; it’s a divine mandate. It’s our privilege and responsibility to share the life-changing message of Jesus Christ with the world. Remember, it’s not about our abilities but our willingness to be vessels through which God can work. We know from scripture that when we are obeying the command to spread the Good News, He is with us always, even to the end of the age.
