The Great Commission

Come read and study each time the Great Commission was given and see what we learn

So, when we put together all the last words of our Lord and group the sayings that are connected, it naturally falls into seven parts. Check it out:

First, we get a double greeting of Peace.

Second, there’s a simple Declaration of Divine Authority and a Commission—sending the disciples out with this authority.

Third, there’s a talk about Redemption—Christ’s Atoning Death and Resurrection—and the principal message to be shared in His name. They keep saying, “You are witnesses of these things,” and it’s super important.

Fourthly, they’re talking about how this commission is for everyone in the world. It’s not just for groups, but for each individual. They use words like “all the world,” “all nations,” and “every creature.”

Fifthly, they mention a qualification for doing this mission: getting power through the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

Sixthly, there’s a promise that the Savior will be with them personally, and there will be signs for those who believe.

Finally, there’s a blessing from the Lord, His going up, and a quick record of what the Church should do and the Lord’s promise being fulfilled.

In all these instructions, one word stands out—WITNESS. They keep saying, “You are witnesses of these things,” and “You shall be witnesses unto me.” Another word that’s close is “preach,” but basically, it means the same thing because preaching is like telling people what you’ve seen.

So, if we want to get what God is thinking about missions from the start, this is where we begin. God likes to keep things simple, and in that one word, witness, He squishes all of His wisdom for this worldwide work. We are supposed to be witnesses for Him. Let’s really understand what God is saying in this word.

Humans suffer the consequences of sin—we are cut off from God, holiness, and heaven. Jesus steps in to fix things. He follows the rules and dies in our place for our mess-ups. We won’t get into all the complicated details right now, but know that “He bore our sins in His own body on the tree,” and “by His stripes we are healed.”

The only thing you need to do to be saved is to accept God’s free gift of eternal life through Jesus. This makes the Gospel awesome—it’s as simple as accepting it. Feeling sorry for your mistakes (that’s called repentance) and wanting Jesus (that’s faith) lead to doing the right things (that’s obedience). So, faith is super important, and it’s just about believing and receiving. “To as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the Sons of God, even to as many as believe on His name.” Believe equals receive in that verse, and you can swap them out in the Gospel of John without changing the meaning.

Now, take one more step. “God would have all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Salvation covers everyone’s mistakes. What can we do to reach those who aren't saved? God’s idea is super simple: let every believer become a witness—let every saved person try to help others get saved. It’s not disrespectful to say that God’s whole idea of missions is in that one word, witnessing. God’s saving deal is big and free. Accepting it right away means you’re right with God; accepting it all the way means you’re all set, and telling others about it fully and freely means you’re doing the whole service thing—it’s like being a missionary wherever you are. Cool, right?

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