The Great Commission in Luke's Gospel Narrative
Luke's Gospel narrative presents the Great Commission not as a single, explicit command at the end of the book, but as a culmination of Jesus's ministry and teaching, leading to the disciples' mandate to spread the message. While Matthew's Gospel contains a well-known articulation of the Great Commission, Luke's account, particularly in its conclusion and the subsequent book of Acts, emphasizes the continuity of Jesus's mission through his followers [5].
Jesus's public ministry begins with his baptism, which marks his anointing as the Messiah and the beginning of his mission, confirmed by God's voice from heaven [4]. Throughout his ministry, Jesus demonstrates his authority and purpose, which includes sending out his disciples. For instance, Jesus commissions the twelve apostles, granting them "power and authority" to preach and perform miracles [8]. Later, he sends out seventy disciples with instructions on how to conduct their mission, emphasizing the urgency of their task and the spiritual warfare involved [9]. These earlier commissions foreshadow the broader, post-resurrection mandate.
A key aspect of Jesus's ministry, as presented by Luke, is its transformative and sometimes divisive nature. Jesus states, "I have come to set the world on fire" (Luke 12:49), indicating that his ministry would radically alter the existing order, bringing judgment and purification [6]. He also declares, "I have come to divide people" (Luke 12:51), signifying that his message demands a decisive response that can even separate families [2]. This radical impact of Jesus's message is central to understanding the scope of the commission given to his followers. The "terrible baptism of suffering" Jesus speaks of (Luke 12:50) also highlights the challenging nature of the mission, which involves a confrontation with evil and the establishment of God's kingdom [3].
The Great Commission in Luke's Gospel is implicitly articulated in the final chapter, where Jesus opens the minds of his disciples to understand the Scriptures concerning his suffering, resurrection, and the subsequent proclamation of repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations. Luke 24:47 states, "and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem." This passage, along with the promise of the Holy Spirit, sets the stage for the disciples' global mission. The ascension of Jesus, narrated in Luke 24:50-53 and more fully in Acts 1:1-11, confirms his vindication and exaltation, from which position of authority he guides his church [5]. The disciples are instructed to wait in Jerusalem for the "power from on high" (Luke 24:49), which is the Holy Spirit, enabling them to fulfill this commission.
The scope of the commission extends "to all nations," signifying a universal reach that transcends ethnic and geographical boundaries. This universal outlook is consistent with Luke's emphasis on the inclusion of Gentiles throughout his Gospel. The message to be proclaimed is "repentance for the forgiveness of sins," which aligns with the blessings of the new covenant, offering "free and complete forgiveness of sins" and an "intimate knowledge of God" [7]. The disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are to be "ambassadors" (Luke 14:32, Tyndale translation) of this message, desiring peace and reconciliation with God [1].
Thus, in Luke's narrative, the Great Commission is not merely a command but the logical outcome of Jesus's identity as the Son of the Most High, to whom the Lord God has given the throne of David (Luke 1:32), and whose ministry culminates in his death, resurrection, and ascension. The disciples are called to continue this divinely ordained mission, empowered by the Spirit, to bring the message of repentance and forgiveness to the entire world.
Sources
- Luke “Luke 14:32 (Tyndale) — Or els whyll ye other is yet a greate waye of he will sende embasseatours and desyre peace.”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 12:51: 12:51-53 I have come to divide people: Jesus’ ministry demands a decision for or against God that divides even family members.”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 12:50: 12:50 a terrible baptism of suffering: God’s judgment is often pictured as an overwhelming flood (Pss 18:4; 42:7; 69:1-2; Isa 8:7-8; 30:27-28; Jon 2:5).”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 3:21: 3:21-22 Jesus’ baptism marked the beginning of his public ministry and his anointing as the Messiah (the “Anointed One”). The voice of God from heaven confirmed Jesus’ identity and mission. 3:21 As he was praying: Luke emphasizes Jesus’ trust and reliance on God in prayer (5:16; 6:12; 9:18, 28; 11:1; 22:32, 41, 44; 23:34, 46). • the heavens opened: This image was a sign of God’s presence (Isa 64:1), divine revelation (Ezek 1:1; John 1:51), and the end of an age (Rev 4:1; 15:5; 19:11).”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 24:50: 24:50-53 Luke also narrates Jesus’ ascension in Acts 1:1-11. For Luke, Jesus’ ascension confirmed his vindication, exaltation, and enthronement at God’s right hand as Messiah and Lord (Acts 2:24-36). From his position of glory and authority in heaven, Jesus guides and directs his church. 24:50 Bethany: See study note on 19:29; see also Acts 1:11-12; cp. Zech 14:4.”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 12:49: 12:49 I have come to set the world on fire: Jesus’ ministry radically changed the status quo, bringing judgment on the wicked and purifying the righteous (see 3:16-17; 9:54; 17:29; Deut 4:24; Amos 5:6; Heb 12:29).”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 7:28: 7:28 Jesus praised John as the greatest person who ever lived under the old covenant. But even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than John. The blessings of the new covenant—free and complete forgiveness of sins, the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, and intimate knowledge of God—give believers in Jesus a new and greater position than even John enjoyed.”
- Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 9 (introduction): MISSION OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES. (Luk 9:1-6) power and authority--He both qualified and authorized them.”
- Luke (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Luke 10 (introduction): In this chapter we have, I. The ample commission which Christ gave to the seventy disciples to preach the gospel, and to confirm it by miracles; and the full instructions he gave them how to manage themselves in the execution of their commissions, and great encouragements therein (v. 1-16). II. The report which the seventy disciples made to their Master of the success of their negotiation, and his discourse thereupon (Luk 10:17-24). III. Christ's discourse with a lawyer concerning the way to heaven, and the instructions Christ gave him by a parable to l”