The directive to preach the gospel to all nations is one of the most profound and far-reaching commands given by Jesus Christ to His disciples. This mandate is explicitly stated in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of Matthew. The passage commonly referred to as the "Great Commission" is found in Matthew 28:18-20. Here, Jesus, after His resurrection and just before His ascension into heaven, imparts this crucial instruction to His followers:
"And Jesus came and said to them, '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. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:18-20, ESV)
This passage is rich in theological significance and practical application. Let's unpack it to understand its full implications.
The Authority of Jesus
Jesus begins by asserting His authority: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." This declaration is foundational because it establishes the basis for the command that follows. Jesus is not merely a teacher or prophet; He is the sovereign Lord of all creation. His authority encompasses both the spiritual and physical realms, making His command not only a religious directive but a cosmic mandate.
The concept of Jesus' authority is echoed throughout the New Testament. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, writes:
"Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11, ESV)
The Command to Go
With His authority established, Jesus issues the command: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations." The imperative "Go" signifies movement and action. It implies leaving one's comfort zone and taking the message of the gospel to new and diverse places. The scope of this mission is universal—"all nations"—indicating that the gospel is not confined to a specific ethnic group, culture, or geographical area. It is a message for the entire world.
The Greek word for "nations" used here is "ethnos," which can be translated as "peoples" or "ethnic groups." This underscores the inclusive nature of the gospel. The early church took this command seriously, as evidenced by the missionary journeys of Paul and the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and beyond.
Making Disciples
The core of the Great Commission is the making of disciples. A disciple is more than a mere convert; a disciple is a committed follower of Jesus who seeks to learn from Him and live according to His teachings. This process involves both evangelism and discipleship—sharing the gospel and nurturing new believers in their faith.
Jesus provides specific instructions on how to make disciples: "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." Baptism is the outward sign of an inward transformation, symbolizing the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is an act of obedience and a public declaration of faith.
Teaching is the ongoing process of discipleship. New believers must be taught to observe Jesus' commands, which encompass His teachings on love, forgiveness, service, and more. This instruction is not merely academic; it is practical and transformative, aimed at shaping the character and conduct of the disciple.
The Promise of Jesus' Presence
Jesus concludes the Great Commission with a comforting promise: "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." This assurance of His continual presence empowers and encourages His followers as they undertake the daunting task of global evangelism. The presence of Jesus is mediated through the Holy Spirit, who indwells and guides believers.
The promise of Jesus' presence is a recurring theme in the New Testament. In John 14:16-17, Jesus says:
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17, ESV)
The Broader Biblical Context
The command to preach the gospel to all nations is not an isolated directive but is part of a broader biblical narrative. In the Old Testament, God’s promise to Abraham included a vision for all nations:
"I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:2-3, ESV)
This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, through whom the blessing of salvation extends to all peoples.
In the New Testament, the command to preach to all nations is reiterated in different forms. Mark 16:15 records Jesus saying:
"Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." (Mark 16:15, ESV)
Similarly, in Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples:
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, ESV)
The Early Church’s Response
The early church took the Great Commission seriously, as demonstrated by the rapid spread of Christianity in the first century. The book of Acts chronicles the missionary activities of the apostles, particularly Peter and Paul. Paul’s missionary journeys, recorded in Acts and his epistles, exemplify the fulfillment of Jesus' command to preach to all nations.
Paul’s letters to the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians, among others, reflect his efforts to establish and nurture churches across the Roman Empire. His dedication to the Great Commission is evident in his words to the Romans:
"I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation." (Romans 15:20, ESV)
Contemporary Application
The Great Commission remains relevant for Christians today. The task of making disciples of all nations is ongoing, and every believer has a role to play. This can take various forms, from personal evangelism and local outreach to supporting global missions and being a witness in one's daily life.
Modern technology and global interconnectedness have created unprecedented opportunities for spreading the gospel. Online platforms, social media, and other digital tools can be harnessed to reach people across the globe. However, the essence of the Great Commission remains unchanged: it is about making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to follow Jesus.
Conclusion
The command to preach the gospel to all nations, as articulated in Matthew 28:18-20, is a cornerstone of Christian mission and identity. It is rooted in the authority of Jesus, encompasses the making of disciples, and is undergirded by the promise of His presence. This mandate is part of the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan for all humanity and continues to inspire and guide the church's mission today. As followers of Christ, we are called to participate in this divine mission, sharing the good news of Jesus with a world in need of His love and salvation.
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