And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 28:18-19 (ESV) [Emphasis Added]
This verse (v.19) is a clear example of the “Great Commission”. This is the commissioning of the church by Jesus Christ, our Lord. The universal authority of the Lord, leads to the universal mission of the church. The church’s mission is to make disciples of all nations. It is important to understand why He says, “all nations”. Jesus’ ministry in Israel was to foreshadow or to begin what would eventually become a proclamation of the gospel to all peoples of the earth, not only Jews but also Gentiles. We also see here, a reference to the Trinity. “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” are all mentioned in this verse, also clarifying the deity of Jesus Christ, and explicitly advocating the Triune attribute of God. Essentially, the message of this verse is simple, go and preach the Word. We have a calling, as Christians, to go out and share the gospel. This may seem hard, but if you are living for Jesus daily, it is so simple. To quote John Calvin, “I offer my heart to thee, O Lord, promptly and sincerely.” If we give ourselves up to Christ, we want nothing more than to make disciples for Him.
“Soli Deo Gloria”
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