To be commissioned to something is to be given a duty or task to carry out, to be given an order by an authority. Knowing that there is no higher authority than God we want to take seriously the things God calls us to do. One of these things is called the Great Commission. Jesus gave this commission to the apostles after His resurrection and its for all who will believe in Jesus death and resurrection for forgiveness of sins.
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
It’s a call to evangelism, a call to spread the good news of the gospel. The only gospel that can bring someone from spiritual darkness into the light. What an amazing task we as followers of Jesus are tasked with. God certainly doesn’t need us to spread his word but he choses to work through us to draw the world to Himself. Paul writes on this in 2 Corinthians.
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” – 2 Corinthians 18-20
What an amazing truth we are ambassadors for Christ! We should be passionate about sharing our faith with others. Sadly that is not the case for many Christians. A recent study that came out showed 59% of Christians seldom or never share their faith. Many other studies have the percentage even higher. It does take courage and faith to share the message of Jesus with people but the Holy Spirit is with us and will give us the words to say when we need it. Can you imagine having the cure for cancer or some other deadly disease and then keeping it to yourself? The apostles when told to stop talking about Jesus refused because they knew there is only one way to be forgiven by God and that is through Jesus.
“This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”- Acts 4:11-12
Many people believe that the Great Commission is the pastor’s responsibility or the church or a missionary in a foreign country is the one to carry out the task. It is given to all Christians to share our faith as Paul said we are all ambassadors for Christ. You don’t need to go on a mission trip or be a foreign missionary to spread the gospel, we all need to be sharing the truth with our family, friends, coworkers, random encounters with people and anyone you feel led to share the message of salvation with. When you share the gospel with someone it even makes your own faith stronger as you feel emboldened and joyful knowing that you are pleasing your heavenly Father. Jesus says we are to make disciples, but before you make a disciple you first have to make converts. Once someone is saved the great commission continues as Jesus says we are to “teach” them all that He has commanded. So we are to be building other Christians up in their faith and strengthening their faith as part of the Great Commission’s instructions of making disciples. That happens in many ways such as praying with people and for people and teaching God’s word through Bible studies, teaching classes in the church in Sunday school for children or classes for adults or just going over scripture one on one with a family member or friend. Discipleship happens in many ways and it should be a desire and a joy for all Christians to take part in discipling other Christians in our great God’s teaching. There are many verses in the Bible that speak about the importance of spreading the good news of the Gospel and teaching people about God both in the Old Testament and the New Testament
preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.-2 Timothy 4:2
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”- Romans 10:14-15
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!- Psalm 96:3
And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.-Daniel 12:3
Ask God to give you a spirit of boldness and to preach his word to people in your area of influence. Whether we are called to go on mission overseas or speak the truth to people right where we live we are fulfilling the Great Commission that our Great God and Savior has given us. Jesus said He is calling people from darkness into the light and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. (Matt:16:18) What a great blessing and privilege to be used by the God of eternity and be a part of it. Go and tell someone about Jesus today.
– Ryan Kaplysh