The Great Commission

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. —Matthew 28:18-20

These are among the last words Jesus spoke on earth before ascending back to heaven. They are our standing marching orders.  Notice four things in this passage:

First, it begins with Christ’s POWER— “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” We operate under the authority of Christ. It is His command and we simply need to obey.

Second, it fulfills Christ’s PURPOSE— To go and make disciples among all nations. Every country is a mission field and every person is a potential disciple of Christ.  Think about this as you go about your daily business.

Third, it outlines Christ’s PLAN— We win the lost, baptize them, and then teach them to go and do likewise reproducing themselves. Thus God’s work is multiplied.

Fourth, it reassures us of Christ’s PRESENCE— “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”  He is with us at all times, in all places, and in every circumstance. We have nothing to fear.

This is not just the job of foreign missionary. It is the responsibility of every Christian.