The Great Commission: Our Perspective on Matthew 28:16-20

ByMission Save Ministry

Introduction:

Matthew 28:16-20, commonly known as the Great Commission, stands as a cornerstone of Christian mission and evangelism.

In this passage, Jesus commissions His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that He has commanded.

From a Baptist perspective, this passage holds significant theological and practical implications for the mission of the church and the individual believer.

Exegesis:

Matthew 28:16-20 reads:

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go [a]therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [b]Amen.

  1. Context and Setting:
    • The Great Commission occurs immediately before Jesus’ ascension into heaven, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. It is the culmination of Jesus’ earthly ministry and serves as His final instructions to His disciples.
    • The setting is significant, as Jesus meets His disciples in Galilee, the region where much of His ministry took place. It symbolizes the continuation of His mission through His followers.
  2. Authority of Christ:
    • Jesus begins by asserting His authority, declaring that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. This statement establishes the foundation for the disciples’ commission and underscores the divine mandate behind their mission.
    • From a Baptist perspective, this affirmation of Christ’s authority emphasizes His lordship over all creation and the sovereignty of His rule.
  3. The Commission:
    • The central command of the Great Commission is to “make disciples of all nations.” This involves proclaiming the Gospel message, baptizing believers, and teaching them to obey Christ’s teachings.
    • Baptists emphasize the priority of disciple-making in fulfilling the Great Commission. Making disciples involves not merely evangelism, but also the ongoing process of spiritual growth and maturity in Christ.
  4. Baptism:
    • Baptism is an essential component of the Great Commission, symbolizing the believer’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Baptists practice believer’s baptism by immersion, viewing it as a public declaration of faith and visual entrance into the community of believers.
    • Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit reflects the Trinitarian nature of God and the believer’s relationship with the Triune Godhead.
  5. Teaching and Obedience:
    • The Great Commission includes the mandate to teach disciples to observe all that Jesus has commanded. This emphasizes the importance of biblical instruction and discipleship in the life of the believer.
    • Baptists believe in the authority and sufficiency of Scripture for faith and practice, and teaching is central to nurturing spiritual growth and maturity among believers.

Interpretation and Application:

  1. The Universal Scope of the Commission:
    • The Great Commission is not limited by geographical or cultural boundaries, but extends to “all nations.” This underscores the universal nature of the Gospel message and the mission of the church to reach people from every background and ethnicity.
    • From a Baptist perspective, this universal mandate challenges believers to engage in cross-cultural mission and evangelism, both locally and globally.
  2. The Call to Disciple-Making:
    • Disciple-making is not just the responsibility of church leaders or missionaries, but of every believer. Baptists affirm the priesthood of all believers, emphasizing the role of each individual in fulfilling the Great Commission.
    • Practically, this means actively sharing the Gospel, investing in relationships, and mentoring others in their faith journey.
  3. Baptism and Christian Identity:
    • Baptism is a significant rite of passage for believers, symbolizing their union with Christ and their commitment to follow Him. It is a public declaration of faith and a mark of Christian identity.
    • From a Baptist perspective, baptism is a voluntary act of obedience for believers who have professed faith in Christ. It signifies their separation from the old life of sin and their initiation into the body of Christ.
  4. The Importance of Teaching and Discipleship:
    • Teaching believers to obey all that Jesus has commanded is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. This involves not only imparting knowledge, but also nurturing a life of obedience and discipleship.
    • Baptists place a strong emphasis on biblical teaching and discipleship, recognizing the vital role of the church in equipping believers for ministry and service.

All of which is a big part of the work we are doing here at Mission Save Montana, which is why this passage is of such a great importance to us.

Conclusion:

The Great Commission is a foundational passage for Baptist theology and practice, encapsulating the mission and purpose of the church. It calls believers to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, baptize believers, and teach obedience to Christ’s commands. From a Baptist perspective, the Great Commission challenges believers to actively engage in mission and evangelism, prioritize disciple-making, affirm the significance of baptism, and invest in biblical teaching and discipleship.

As followers of Christ, Christians are called to fulfill the Great Commission in their local communities and beyond, trusting in the authority and presence of Christ to accompany them on their mission until the end of the age.

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