The Great Commission in the Bible: Matthew 28:18-20
Matthew 28:18-20, often called the Great Commission, records Jesus' final instructions to his disciples after his resurrection:
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age'" (ESV).
This passage concludes Matthew's Gospel, serving as a climactic summary of Jesus' mission and the inauguration of the church's global task. The setting is a mountain in Galilee, where Jesus had appointed to meet his disciples [1].
The passage begins with Jesus asserting his universal authority, stating, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" [5]. This claim echoes Old Testament themes of divine sovereignty, such as Psalm 135:6 and Psalm 8:6, which speak of God's dominion over all things [2, 3]. This authority is understood as power delegated from the Father [5].
Based on this authority, Jesus issues a command to "make disciples of all nations" [1]. This involves three key actions: "going," "baptizing," and "teaching." The command to "go" implies an active mission beyond the immediate Jewish context, extending to "all nations" (Greek: panta ta ethnē). The act of "baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" signifies initiation into the Christian community and identification with the Triune God. This Trinitarian formula is a foundational statement of Christian belief. The final instruction, "teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you," emphasizes the importance of obedience to Jesus' teachings, which encompass the entire body of his instructions throughout the Gospel [1].
The passage concludes with Jesus' promise, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" [1]. This assurance of Christ's perpetual presence provides comfort and empowerment for the disciples as they undertake this monumental task [4]. This promise of presence is also seen in Matthew 18:20, where Jesus states his presence among those gathered in his name for discipline and decision-making [6, 7]. The Great Commission, therefore, is not merely a command but also a promise of divine assistance in its fulfillment.
Sources
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: Isa.8.10 → Matt.28.20 (confidence: 16 votes)”
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: Ps.135.6 → Matt.28.18 (confidence: 10 votes)”
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: Ps.8.6 → Matt.28.18 (confidence: 10 votes)”
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: John.14.18 → Matt.28.20 (confidence: 11 votes)”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 28:18: 28:18 Jesus’ authority is power delegated from the Father (see 7:29; 9:6-8; 21:23-27; 26:64; John 3:35).”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 18:20: 18:20 Christ is present in the process of discipline, so the process is a ratification of God’s decision.”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 18:18: 18:18-20 These sayings provide the basis for a process of discipline and restoration in the community of disciples. 18:18 forbid . . . permit: The privilege and authority granted to Peter (16:19) are here granted to the church (or possibly to the twelve apostles, 18:1). The decisions of the community, when in accord with God’s will, are eternally binding.”