Go!
Matthew 28:19-20, known as the “Great Commission,” is a passage where Jesus instructs his followers to make disciples of all nations by going, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all he commanded. The meaning is a mandate to share the Christian message globally and to build a community of believers who are committed to following Jesus’ teachings, with the promise of his presence until the end of the age.
Key components of the Great Commission
Going: The command to “go” is interpreted as an ongoing action, meaning believers should make disciples as they live their lives, not just through formal missionary work. This involves reaching out to people in all nations, both near and far.
Making disciples: This is the central command, which involves a long-term process of helping people become followers of Christ.
Baptizing: New believers are to be baptized as a public declaration of their commitment to God, symbolized by the names of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Teaching: Disciples must be taught to obey everything Jesus commanded, which involves both the teaching of Christian doctrine and the application of his teachings in daily life.
Promise of Jesus’ presence: The passage concludes with Jesus promising to be with his followers “always, to the very end of the age,” providing encouragement and assurance for the task ahead.