The Great Commission

Story Snapshot

The risen Jesus meets His disciples on a mountain in Galilee. Declaring that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him, He commissions them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them. He promises His abiding presence with them always, to the very end of the age. This charge defines the mission of the church.

Main Characters

Story Summary

After the resurrection, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to a mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, though some still wrestled with doubt. Jesus came to them and made a sweeping declaration: all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him. On the basis of that authority, He gave them their commission: to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything He had commanded. This mission was not limited to Israel but extended to every nation, reflecting God's heart for all peoples. Finally, Jesus gave a precious promise: He would be with them always, to the very end of the age. Though He would soon ascend, His presence would remain with His followers through the Holy Spirit as they carried out the mission. These words, often called the Great Commission, have defined the purpose of the church ever since, sending believers into the world to share the good news, form disciples, and teach obedience to Christ, sustained by His authority and presence.

Timeline

• The GatheringThe disciples meet Jesus in Galilee.
• The WorshipThey worship, though some doubt.
• The AuthorityJesus declares all authority is His.
• The CommandGo and make disciples of all nations.
• The BaptismBaptize in the name of the Trinity.
• The TeachingTeach obedience to all Jesus commanded.
• The PromiseJesus promises His presence always.

Themes

What This Story Means

The Great Commission defines the ongoing mission of Jesus' followers. Grounded in Jesus' supreme authority over all things, it sends the church into the whole world, not to a single nation but to all peoples, reflecting God's universal love. The commission is not merely to win converts but to make disciples, people who are baptized into the life of the triune God and taught to obey all Christ commanded. This is comprehensive: it involves proclamation, initiation, and ongoing formation. Crucially, Jesus does not send His followers alone; He promises His constant presence to the end of the age, assuring them that the mission is carried out in His power, not their own. The passage teaches that Jesus holds all authority, that His people are sent to share the gospel with all nations, and that He remains with them always.

Bringing It Home

• Take part in Jesus' mission to make disciples.
• Share the good news across every barrier and nation.
• Help form disciples, not just decisions, through teaching.
• Rely on Christ's authority and abiding presence.

Key Verse

Did You Know?

• The commission extends the mission to all nations, not just Israel.
• It includes one of the clearest Trinitarian formulas in Scripture.
• Jesus promised His presence to the very end of the age.

Read Next

What This Shows Us About God

• God's mission extends to all nations.
• God sends His people with Christ's authority.
• God promises His abiding presence in the mission.

What This Shows Us About People

• Believers are sent to share the good news.
• The mission is to form disciples, not just converts.
• We serve in Christ's power, not our own.

A Question to Sit With

Am I taking part in Jesus' mission to make disciples where He has placed me?

Prayer

Lord, with all authority You sent Your followers to make disciples of all nations, promising to be with them always. Help me take part in Your mission where I am, share Your good news, and rely on Your presence and power rather than my own. Amen.