gen-explain-the-great-commission-use-matthew-28-18-20-923f

Explain the Great Commission. Use Matthew 28:18-20.

# The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) ## The Text > "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'" ## Key Elements **1. Jesus' Authority (v. 18)** - Christ declares His universal authority over heaven and earth - This authority forms the foundation for the command that follows - It was given to Him following His resurrection **2. The Command: Make Disciples (v. 19-20a)** The core command involves four key actions: - **"Go"** - Actively reaching out (literally "as you are going") - **"Make disciples"** - The main verb; not just converts, but followers who learn and grow - **"Baptizing"** - Public identification with Christ and His community - **"Teaching"** - Instructing in obedience to Jesus' commands **3. The Scope** - "All nations" (Greek: *panta ta ethne*) - every ethnic group, not limited to Jews **4. The Promise (v. 20b)** - Jesus promises His ongoing presence with His disciples - This assurance extends "to the very end of the age" ## Significance This passage is Christ's marching orders for the Church—to spread the gospel globally and develop mature followers of Jesus, empowered by His authority and presence.