Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.
The Great Commission — Jesus' final assignment to his followers.
The episode in a glance.
- 01'Go' — movement, initiative, leaving comfort.
- 02'Make disciples' — not converts, but followers.
- 03'Baptizing and teaching' — the method is relational and instructional.
- 04'I am with you always' — the promise that makes it possible.
Read along.
Matthew 28:19-20 — '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.' This is the last thing Jesus says in Matthew's gospel.
'Go therefore.' Go is active. It means leave where you are. Move toward people who aren't like you. Cross boundaries. Take initiative. The commission starts with movement.
'Make disciples.' Not make converts. Not make church members. Disciples. Followers. Learners. People who live like Jesus, not just people who believe facts about Jesus.
'Baptizing and teaching.' Baptism is the entry point — public identification. Teaching is the ongoing work — showing people how to obey what Jesus commanded. Both matter.
And the promise: 'I am with you always, to the end of the age.' You don't go alone. The one who has all authority is with you. That's why this commission isn't a burden. It's an invitation to join Jesus in what he's already doing.