Laura Ingle

Key scripture – “Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.” (Matthew 28:19-20).

This command by Jesus to all believers is called the “Great Commission”.

In the 1800s, British missionary Hudson Taylor sensed God’s call to reach the people of China with the good news. During decades of ministry, more than 800 missionaries were established and 125,000 Chinese became believers in Jesus. Taylor once said, “The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.”

As we look into Jesus’ words, we find a loving Savior calling us to a mission flowing from His very heart. Our Great Savior has invited us to reach others for Him. But before He told us what He wanted us to do, Jesus said, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). As we prepare to tell others about Jesus, it’s greatly encouraging to know that He possesses absolute authority!

Jesus then said, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you” (Matthew 28:19-20). Hudson Taylor understood what Jesus meant by “go.” He knew that the Savior was saying, “While you’re going about your life, while you’re going into your community, while you are working around other people, tell them about Me! Bring them into God’s family, and teach them to obey God’s Word.”

Earlier in Matthew, Jesus had assured us of His presence when we worship Him, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20). Now He assures us of His presence when we witness for Him. As we reveal His love, grace, and truth to others, we can rest in His power and presence. For Jesus says, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). What great comfort this brings as we strive to boldly share our faith with others.

Like Hudson Taylor, may we grasp our mission and live out our Great Commission as Jesus provides all we need! “Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (John 20:21).

Is there someone in your workplace, community, or family, with whom you can share the good news this week?

“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15).

Pray this – My Precious Heavenly Father, I know as a believer the great commission is a command. You want me to proclaim Jesus to the community, my family, and the work place that I am a part of. That is why you have me here at this time and in this place. “And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted. “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth.” (Isaiah 12:4-5). Father, I do have a heart for lost souls and for proclaiming Your Kingdom. I will do what Jesus said, “And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” (Matthew 10:7). Use me to bring others into God’s family and to teach them to obey Your Word. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.