When Jesus gave the Great Commission, it was like handing His followers the most important mission of their lives. Imagine this—Jesus had just risen from the dead, proving once and for all that He was the Savior. Before ascending into Heaven, He gathered His disciples and gave them clear instructions about what they were supposed to do next.
The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:18-20, is Jesus’ command to spread the good news of salvation to the entire world. It’s not just about telling people the story of Jesus; it’s about leading them to Him, helping them grow in their faith, and teaching them to follow His ways. As new Christians, this command is for us too. It’s our opportunity to be part of God’s incredible plan to reach others with His love and truth.
At first, it might feel overwhelming. How can we, who are still learning so much ourselves, possibly take on such a big task? But the beauty of the Great Commission is that we don’t do it alone. Jesus promised to be with us every step of the way. Let’s take a closer look at what the Great Commission means for us and how we can live it out in simple, everyday ways.
Jesus Has All the Power
The Great Commission starts with Jesus reminding His disciples—and us—that He has “all power…in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18). This isn’t just a random statement. Jesus is saying, “I’m in control of everything—everywhere.” When I first thought about sharing my faith, I felt so nervous. What if I said the wrong thing? What if someone didn’t want to listen? But knowing that Jesus holds all power is a game-changer.
We don’t step out in our own strength. We’re doing this under His authority. That gives me so much comfort. No matter how big or small the task seems, we can trust that Jesus is in control.
Go and Share the Good News
After declaring His authority, Jesus commands, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This is the heart of the Great Commission—sharing the Gospel with others. But what does that look like for us, especially as new Christians?
It doesn’t have to mean packing your bags and traveling to another country (though that’s amazing if God calls you to it!). Sometimes, it’s as simple as sharing your story with a friend or family member. Tell them how Jesus has changed your life. People connect with real, personal experiences.
And when Jesus says “all nations,” it reminds me that the Gospel is for everyone. No one is too far gone, too different, or too broken for God’s love. Whether it’s your neighbor, your coworker, or even someone you barely know, God can use you to point them to Him.
The Importance of Baptism
Jesus also tells us to baptize others “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). Baptism is such an important step. It’s a public declaration that you’ve chosen to follow Christ.
When I got baptized, it felt like I was saying, “This is who I am now. I belong to Jesus.” If you haven’t been baptized yet, it’s something to pray about and talk to your pastor about. And as you grow in your faith, you might have the joy of seeing someone you shared the Gospel with take that step too.
Living Out What Jesus Taught
In verse 20, Jesus says we should be “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” This is about helping others grow in their faith by learning and living out the teachings of Jesus.
Here’s something I’m realizing—it’s not just about knowing the Bible; it’s about letting it change the way we live. James 1:22 says, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” That’s a challenge for all of us. Are we forgiving like Jesus taught? Are we loving others the way He loves us? These are the kinds of things we can help each other with as we grow together.
Small Things Lead to Greater Things
Here’s what’s really encouraging: God often uses small, simple actions to accomplish big things. You don’t need to preach a sermon or have all the answers to make a difference.
Maybe it’s giving out a Gospel tract to someone or donating to support missionaries around the world. Maybe it’s helping out at church—cleaning up after a service, running the sound system, or just being a friendly face that welcomes first-time visitors. A kind word or gesture can mean so much to someone who’s stepping into church for the first time, feeling nervous and unsure.
God can take these small acts of obedience and multiply them in ways we can’t even imagine. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Even the smallest thing done in love for others is a service to Him.
Jesus Is Always With Us
Here’s my favorite part of the Great Commission: Jesus ends by saying, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). Isn’t that incredible? No matter how hard things get or how much we feel like we’re not enough, Jesus promises to be with us.
When I think about sharing my faith, this promise gives me so much courage. I’m not doing it on my own. Jesus is walking right beside me, guiding me, and giving me the words to say.
Our Role in the Great Commission
As new Christians, our role is simple but so meaningful. We’re called to share the Gospel, help others grow in their faith, and live out what Jesus taught. In Romans 10:14-15, Paul asks, “How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” That verse really hits home for me. If we don’t share the Gospel, how will people hear it?
But here’s the good news: God doesn’t expect us to be perfect. He just wants us to be willing. Even if all you can do right now is share a verse on social media or invite someone to church, that’s a step in the right direction.
Let’s Take This Journey Together
The Great Commission might seem like a big task, but it’s also an exciting one. It’s an invitation to be part of God’s work in the world. And we don’t have to do it alone. We have each other for support, and most importantly, we have Jesus with us every step of the way.
So, let’s grow in our faith together. Let’s take small, faithful steps—sharing the Gospel, loving others, and trusting God to use us in ways we can’t even imagine. He’s with us, always.
