THE CHRISTIAN’S RESPONSE TO THE GREAT COMMISSION (PART 1)

Dear Members in Christ,

The Christian’s response to the Great Commission (Part 1)

The Lord Jesus Christ ministered and preached for about 3 years in various regions around Galilee, Judea and trans-Jordan. After the Lord’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection, He appeared on several occasions to the disciples. The Bible records that the Lord Jesus ascended to heaven, but prior to that event, He commanded His disciples to teach the message of the Gospel. This is what we know as the Great Commission recorded in the spoken words of our Lord.

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20

These words were spoken to the Apostles when “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.” (Matthew 28:16). We know that the Great Commission is a scriptural command, and it is every Christian’s labour while we sojourn on this earth. This article examines the Great Commission and how we ought to respond to it in our service and duty for our Lord Jesus Christ.

A. The Great Commission is given by God’s authority 

Firstly, we must acknowledge that the Great Commission is given by God’s authority. The Lord Jesus began with these words, “all power is given unto me.” The word translated as “power” is a Greek word which means authority. It is the same word which the centurion said to Jesus,

“For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.” Matthew 8:9

This authority represents the power to send a subordinate (or servant) to perform a task or to convey a message. In truth, the Great Commission is God’s command to the disciples to carry the message and to teach it to others. Brothers and sisters, let us be steadfast for the labour of the Lord. Let us not neglect sharing the gospel message of salvation to others who are in need.

B. The commission to teach and baptize believers

The Great Commission given by the Lord Jesus Christ also includes the task and activity which the disciples are required to carry out. This is the portion which reads, “…Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19,20a). The command to teach and preach the gospel is not confined to the group of disciples only. As the Apostle Paul later would teach by inspiration of the Holy Spirit,

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2

A large part of the ministry of the Gospel is the transmission of the truth of salvation revealed in God’s Word. In this respect, every Christian can do a part. Whether it is sharing a tract, teaching a Bible lesson in a Sunday School class, helping out in Holiday Bible School, every Christian can be part of this effort. We pray that brothers and sisters in Calvary Jaya may be stirred up to do the Gospel work. We have a yearly Vacation Bible School held for the children at the church in Miri. There’s always a need for teachers and helpers, not to mention drivers, song leaders, and other areas of service. I pray that some Calvary Jaya members may prayerfully consider taking this up as a yearly mission trip to strengthen and edify the ministry work in Miri. 

C. The promise of the presence of the Lord Jesus

Most importantly, the Great Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ comes with His personal promise to be with His servants. What a comfort it must have been for the disciples when they heard the Lord Jesus saying,

“… lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”   Matthew 28:20

Every servant of God who does His bidding can be assured of the Lord’s presence and comfort throughout the journey. Let us be obedient to the call of the Lord. May God’s Holy Spirit stir up some hearts and minds to set their paths to serve the Lord in doing each our part in fulfilling the Great Commission. May God help us all. Amen.    

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor