Scripture Passage: Matthew 28:19-20

The last command of Jesus was a command to make disciples of all nations. This command is operative until the end of the age. It’s not the end of the age yet, so it’s still an assignment for believers. Every Christian can experience the thrill of the Great Commission by recognizing the “all” guarantees of Jesus.

1. The Authority of the Assignment
Jesus guaranteed: “All authority has been given to me in heaven and one earth.”

Jesus assured His followers that their missional assignment wasn’t a matter of them figuring out how to carry out their assignment. He sent them — and us! The measure to which you grasp His power will determine your confidence in carrying out the rest of this command.

● How much authority does Jesus have?

2. The Audacity of the Assignment
Jesus commanded: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing then in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.”

This isn’t some call to go and tell people about Jesus and encourage them to become interested in Jesus. It may begin with that, but we’re inviting them to experience total life change. When we seek to obey everything Jesus commanded us we must trust completely in Him instead of ourselves.

● In what ways is the Great Commission an audacious assignment?

3. The Audience of the Assignment
Jesus defined the scope of our assignment: Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations.

We must guard against taking this command for granted because all people without Christ are lost. We must therefore take the good news about Jesus to every nation — to all peoples.

● Read Acts 4:12. Why does this make it imperative that we over the Great Commission?

4. The Accomplishment of the Assignment
Jesus assured His followers: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Jesus is with us — personally and corporately. He is with us to guide and empower as we carry out the Great Commission.

● How can the presence of Jesus embolden you to carry out the Great Commission?

Jesus called us out of the darkness and into the light — and He calls us to bring light to the darkest places. Until He returns, we must be faithful to fulfill the assignment He has given us.

● It’s an assignment given by His authority.
● It’s an assignment that is audacious in its nature.
● It’s an assignment that commands an audience with everybody everywhere.
● It’s an assignment that includes the thrill of Christ’s accompanying us every step of the way.

How could we say no to that assignment?