Introduction
Jesus' final words before His ascension were not a suggestion or an optional programme for the spiritually ambitious. They were a command — the Great Commission — binding on every believer and every local church until He returns. Understanding this commission, its authority, its scope, and its content is foundational to what every church exists to do.
When a commander sends soldiers into the field, they do not choose their own mission. They carry out the orders they have been given. A church that decides its own mission apart from Scripture is like an army that ignores its commander and pursues its own objectives. The Great Commission is not one option among many — it is the standing orders of the Lord Jesus Christ to His church.
Sermon Outline
I. The Authority Behind the Commission — "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth"
This authority was granted to Him as the risen, glorified Son of Man. The resurrection vindicated His claims, proved His sacrifice was accepted, and established His universal lordship. The Great Commission flows from the victory of the cross and the empty tomb.
The practical implication is enormous: because Jesus has all authority, His commission cannot be overridden by any government, culture, hostile religion, or fearful congregation. The church does not need the permission of the world to carry out its mission. It has the authority of the Lord of the universe.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.
Philippians 2:9-10
II. The Command of the Commission — "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations"
'All nations' — the scope is universal. The church's mission extends to every ethnic group, every language, every culture. This is not cultural imperialism — it is the offer of eternal life to every human being, regardless of background. Every person has the same sin problem, and every person needs the same Saviour.
A church that is not actively engaged in making disciples — locally and globally — is not fully obeying its Lord. This begins at home, in the community, and extends to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8).
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 1:8
- Going — disciples are made by taking the gospel out, not waiting for people to come in
- Teaching — evangelism is not the whole commission; making disciples involves instruction
- All nations — no people group is excluded from the scope of the mandate
III. The Content of the Commission — "baptizing... teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you"
Teaching is the ongoing process of discipleship. Note that disciples are to be taught to 'observe all things whatsoever I have commanded' — not selected parts of Scripture that are comfortable or acceptable to the culture, but all of it. A pastor who softens, skips, or avoids portions of God's Word is failing his commission.
This means the church's programme of preaching, teaching, and discipleship must be comprehensive. The whole counsel of God is the goal — not a menu of favourites.
For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
Acts 20:27
IV. The Comfort of the Commission — "I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world"
This is not a vague feeling of divine nearness. It is the promise of the risen Christ who indwells every believer through His Spirit. When a pastor preaches the gospel to a hostile audience, Christ is present. When a missionary plants a church in a difficult field, Christ is there. When a member shares their faith with a neighbour, Christ goes before them.
The Great Commission is not an impossible burden — it is an invitation to partnership with the Lord of the universe.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10
Conclusion
The Great Commission is not a programme to implement — it is a mandate to obey. Jesus has all authority. He has commanded us to go. He has given us a clear message. And He has promised His presence every step of the way. A church that takes this commission seriously will find that it is the most alive, most purposeful, most joyful community on earth — because it is doing exactly what its Lord sent it to do.