The Great Commission: Not the Great Suggestion

Almost 2000 years after Jesus instructed His followers to reach the entire world, we still haven’t done it. 40% of the world is still unreached—and it’s not only because most Christians don’t have the guts to share Jesus, but also because most of them don’t even know that they should.

Every single day, over 75,000 unreached people die without hearing that God loves them so much that He sent Jesus to die for their sins.

And Jesus told us 2000 years ago to do something about that.

WHAT IS THE GREAT COMMISSION?

The Great Commission is the instruction that Jesus gave His followers to reach the entire world.

I’m begging to be pinned, just hover over me!

For Christians who obey it, it is the pulse pounding in their hearts that drives them to do what they do despite all odds; rejection, persecution, and in some places, the threat of execution.

The Great Commission is found in the following five places; the first five books of the New Testament:

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you …
(Matthew 28:18-20)

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every person. …
(Mark 16:15-20)

Then He said to them, “Thus it is written … repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
(Luke 24:46-48)

So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”
(John 20:21)

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
(Acts 1:8)

WHO IS “THEM”?

He said to them. He spoke to them. Who is this “them”?

You!

If you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you’re His follower; His disciple. And that’s exactly who He was talking to when He gave the Great Commission.

I’m begging to be pinned, just hover over me!

Jesus is talking to you!

WAIT, WAIT, WAIT, HOLD ON. I FEEL LIKE WE JUST WENT OVER THIS, BUT ONE MORE TIME . . .  WHAT IS THE GREAT COMMISSION AGAIN.

Jesus told us to reach the entire world by telling others about Him; making disciples (Jesus-followers) of all nations.

When you tell someone about Jesus, you’re helping fulfill the Great Commission. When you get someone saved, you’re helping fulfill the Great Commission. When you volunteer to help out at church so your pastor can tell others about Jesus, you’re still helping fulfill the Great Commission!

SO THE GREAT COMMISSION IS SOMETHING FOR ME TO FULFILL?

Well, aren’t you smart! You guessed it.

Every Christian is told to fulfill the Great Commission. Not just the pastors. Not just the apostles. Not just the preachers.

Every Christian; the kiddos, the grandpas, the single moms, the people we might think are the least qualified.

God … has given us the ministry of reconciliation.
(2 Corinthians 5:18)

Not the pastors.

Not the preachers.

Not the evangelists.

Us.

But what if you’re not qualified? What if you haven’t been to Bible school? What if you’re young? What if you’re shy? How do we even do this? 40% of the world is a lot.

B O T T O M   L I N E :

Every Christian can help fulfill the Great Commission. Even you. God doesn’t play favorites. Jesus didn’t give certain specifications when He gave the Commission. You can help fulfill what Christians still have not done 2000 years later.

Stay tuned: next week we’ll address those “but I’m not qualified” arguments and find out just how every Christian can help fulfill the Great Commission.