The Great Commission: Is it for Missionaries or Me?
The Great Commission, a powerful mandate given by Jesus Christ to His disciples, is found in the Gospel of Matthew.
It is a call to spread the Good News to all nations, teaching and baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Often, the idea of fulfilling the Great Commission is associated with the work of missionaries, but is it solely their responsibility, or does it extend to every believer?
Let’s revisit the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20: “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
The call to go and make disciples isn’t only for a select group of people; it's a call extended to every follower of Jesus.
While missionaries play a crucial role in spreading the Gospel to different parts of the world, the Great Commission is not exclusive to them.
It’s an instruction given to all who profess faith in Christ.
Consider the story of the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4.
After encountering Jesus, she ran to her town and shared her experience, inviting people to come and meet the Savior.
Her simple act of sharing her faith led many to believe in Jesus.
Similarly, in Acts 8:4, after persecution scattered the early believers, they traveled to different places, sharing the Gospel wherever they went.
This dispersion of believers led to the spread of Christianity to regions beyond Jerusalem.
It wasn’t just the apostles or designated missionaries who spread the Good News; every believer played a part in fulfilling the Great Commission.
The call to share the Gospel isn’t about a specific vocation but a way of life for every Christian.
Each of us has a sphere of influence—family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.
It’s within these relationships and connections that we can fulfill the Great Commission through our words, actions, and love for others.
Often, people feel unequipped or inadequate to share their faith.
However, it’s essential to remember that God equips those He calls.
In Acts 1:8, Jesus promised power from the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses. We don’t rely solely on our own abilities but on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit working through us.
In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus illustrated the importance of using what we’ve been given.
We are entrusted with the Gospel and are called to invest it in the lives of others.
It’s not about comparing our abilities to others but about being faithful stewards of what we’ve received.
Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every opportunity to share the hope found in Christ contributes to fulfilling the Great Commission.
It's not always about powerful speeches or grand gestures; it's often the little acts of love and kindness that make a significant impact in someone's life.
Furthermore, the Apostle Peter encourages believers to always be prepared to give a reason for their hope 1 Peter 3:15: "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
Our readiness to share our faith in any circumstance, whether in times of joy or trials, reflects our commitment to the Great Commission.
However, it's important to recognize that while each believer is called to share the Gospel, some are specifically called to cross cultural or geographical boundaries as missionaries.
They play a crucial role in reaching people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to hear about Jesus.
Support and prayer for missionaries are also a part of participating in the Great Commission.
Remember, the Great Commission isn’t just for missionaries; it's for every follower of Christ.
It's an invitation to live out our faith daily, sharing the hope and love of Jesus with those around us.
While some are called to specific missions, every believer is called to be a witness in their own sphere of influence.
We carry the responsibility to sow the seeds of the Gospel, trusting that God will bring about the growth.
Let us embrace this calling with humility, understanding that God works through ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary things.
May we be vessels of His love, fulfilling the Great Commission in our communities and beyond.
HOW ARE YOU SHARING THE GOOD NEWS?
We’d love to hear your stories! Let us know in the comments below.
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