“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.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Everyone wants to live a life of meaning, significance, and purpose. And the only way that will actually happen is when we are living out the plan and purpose God has for our lives. That is why our today’s passage is known as The Great Commission, not a great suggestion. When Jesus saves us, it is for the express purpose of expanding the cause of His Kingdom here on earth, as it is in heaven, not for expanding our own kingdom.
Here is one way of looking at this profound biblical truth:
Jesus not only calls us to COME to Him; Jesus calls us to GO for Him!
Over and over again, Jesus made it clear to His disciples then, and to you and me today, that we are to be a sent people who share the good news of the Gospel with everyone we come in contact with. Today, it is not uncommon to hear someone say something like, “The Great Commission is for the super-spiritual – pastors, missionaries, and parachurch organizations.” This is simply not true. The Great Commission was given to every child of God, and it is the greatest privilege in the world to know that God does not need us to expand the cause of His kingdom, but He wants us to be part of His kingdom expansion.
And know this, Christian: there are some people in this world whom God has ordained will only get saved through you. Sent in the power of the Almighty, we have been given all we need to do all God is calling us to do. And the best thing about that is that we can calmly, confidently leave the results in His hands. We water and we plant, knowing that God will supply the increase in His precise time and in His perfect way (1 Corinthians 3:6).
What is the greatest gift you have ever given anybody? If you have ever shared the truth about Jesus with someone, you need look no farther than that. Jesus is the greatest gift you could ever give to someone, because Jesus is the solution to every problem, the answer to every question, and the provision of every need.
So let me ask you: Have you received The Great Commission? Or a great suggestion? Remember, the consequence of living out The Great Commission is the only thing you can do in this life that will last forever.
One final point: God has commissioned you right where this message finds you. Regardless of your current calling in life, whether butcher, baker, or candlestick maker, you are to bring Jesus everywhere you go, and share Him with everyone you come in contact with. God will place in your path exactly those people He wants you to share Jesus with.
The only question is this: Will you do it?
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 