Worshipping the God of All NationsSample

Day 4–The Great Commission

Begin by prayerfully reading Matthew 28:16-20

This famous passage is known as “The Great Commission,” which Jesus entrusted to his followers and has had a remarkable impact on the global missions movement, particularly in the past few centuries. Note how grand and all-encompassing the Great Commission is:

• “All authority” (v. 18)–these are the words of a king. More precisely, they only make sense when spoken by the risen Lord, who is the King of all Kings.
• “All nations” (v. 19)–followers of Jesus are called to make disciples of all nations, from every ethnic group in the world. Everyone is invited.
• “Teaching them to obey everything” (v. 20)–every word of Jesus, every command that he uttered is important, and as Lord of Lords, he demands our complete allegiance.
• “I am with you always” (v. 20b)–Jesus’ mission is not only universal in its geographical scope, but it also encompasses all of human history, the entire time period between his resurrection and his return in glory.

There is no other endeavor in this world that comes even close to the scope of the Great Commission. Nothing that has ever been achieved or will ever be accomplished in the political, economic, or cultural realm can be compared to the majesty and weight encapsulated in these last words of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. For this reason, participating in the Great Commission is not only a command from Jesus - not only a serious responsibility - but also an awesome privilege. The King of all creation is inviting us to get involved. What will our response be?

Reflection and Application

• In addition to Matthew 28:16-20, read Mark 16:14-18, Luke 24:44-49, John 20:19-23, and Acts 1:4-8. What similarities do you see in these passages?
• How might the Lord use you to reach out to people from another country or a different ethnicity?