In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to lose sight of our true purpose as Christians. We may attend church, read our Bibles, and pray regularly, but are we truly living out the mission that Jesus gave us?
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The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:18-20, is not a mere suggestion or a grand idea - it's a mandate from the King of Kings himself.
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
These words, spoken by Jesus just before his ascension, carry immense weight and significance. They outline our mission as believers and provide a roadmap for how we can participate in bringing God's kingdom to earth. But what does this look like in practice?
The Great Commission can be broken down into four key imperatives: go, make disciples, baptize, and teach. Each of these elements is crucial to fulfilling our calling as Christians.
First, we must be willing to "go." This requires a spirit of adventure, boldness, and willingness to step out of our comfort zones. It's not about being taken hostage or forced into action, but rather choosing to move forward in faith.
Next, we are called to "make disciples." This means calling people to commit to and submit to Jesus as Lord of their lives. It's an intentional process of walking alongside others, helping them grow in their faith and understanding of who God is.
The third imperative is to "baptize." Baptism is a beautiful outward sign of an inward transformation. It symbolizes our identification with Christ's death and resurrection, and our commitment to living a new life in Him.
Finally, we are instructed to "teach" others to obey all that Jesus has commanded. This involves not just imparting knowledge, but helping others apply God's truth to their lives in practical ways.
As we consider these imperatives, it's important to remember that we're not left to accomplish this mission on our own. Jesus promises, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." This assurance of His presence should give us courage and confidence as we step out in faith.
The Great Commission is intimately connected to the Lord's Prayer, particularly the phrase "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." When we pray these words, we're asking for Christ's reign to be evident in the hearts and lives of all believers. We're praying that we would reflect Christ and magnify Him through our actions and words.
Fulfilling the Great Commission requires us to be doers of the word, not just hearers. James 1:22-25 reminds us of the importance of putting our faith into action:
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
Living out the Great Commission means actively participating in bringing light to darkness. It means moving forward into the watching and waiting world, empowered by the Holy Spirit, with hearts and minds set on things above and an undefeatable eternal perspective.
This calling is not just for a select few - it's for all believers, regardless of age, gender, or life stage. We are all called to be Christ's ambassadors, His hands and feet on earth. This might look different for each of us, but the goal remains the same: to help others grow in the knowledge and love of the Lord and to live accordingly.
So how can we practically live out the Great Commission in our daily lives? Here are a few suggestions:
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Engage in Bible study: Deepen your understanding of God's word so you can effectively share it with others.
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Pursue mentorship and discipleship relationships: Both as a mentor and a mentee, these relationships can foster spiritual growth and maturity.
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Get involved in mission and service: Look for opportunities to serve in your local community and support global missions.
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Pray fervently: Cover all your efforts in prayer, asking God to guide you and open doors for ministry.
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Foster fellowship: As you pursue the Great Commission, genuine fellowship with other believers will naturally flow.
Remember, living out the Great Commission doesn't have to be overwhelming. It's often in the small, everyday moments that we have the greatest impact. A kind word to a neighbor, a listening ear for a struggling friend, or a heartfelt prayer for a coworker - these are all ways we can share God's love and point others to Christ.
As we seek to fulfill the Great Commission, let's keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. He is the one who left His throne in heaven to come to earth for our redemption. He is the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
In a world that can often feel dark and chaotic, we have the incredible privilege of being bearers of light and hope. We serve a God who is humble enough to become fully human while remaining fully God, who became the perfect and ultimate sacrifice for our sins. This is the message we carry - a message of love, redemption, and hope.
So let us go forth with boldness, making disciples, baptizing, and teaching, knowing that our God is with us always, even to the end of the age. May we be a generation that takes the Great Commission seriously, ushering in God's kingdom and reflecting His love to a world in desperate need of hope.
Got questions? We'd love to answer them!
Please contact Cecily Dickey | Women's Ministry Director - cecily@centralcommunity.ca