Depth, Diversity, and Divine Promise of the Great CommissionSample

The Great Commission is a central theme of God's heart for all the nations from Genesis to Revelation. Yet, Jesus gives specific significance by allowing the gospel writers to record five instances of the Great Commission.

Today, we will look at the first of these five passages chronologically and pull out the emphasis.

Chronologically, John 20:21 is the first of the Great Commission passage.

Look at the context.

• Where did Jesus speak this passage?
  • Jerusalem
• When did it happen?
  • The Night of the Resurrection (v19)
• Who originally heard it?
  • The Ten Disciples, minus Thomas (v24)
• What was the mandate?
  • As the Father has sent me, so I send you (V 21)
• What was the emphasis?
  • Jesus is our model for being sent (V21)

Jesus is the model, and we look to Jesus’ model for movement and ministry.

So we must ask, do we know and practice Jesus’ model for ministry and movement?

For further reflection on Jesus' model, please take a look at this outline from Luke.

• Luke 4-7 (Jesus does ministry, proclaims the Kingdom, and the disciples watch)
• Luke 8 (Jesus equips through parables about the Kingdom)
• Luke 9 (Jesus sends the 12 to do ministry and proclaim the Kingdom)
• Luke 10 (Jesus sends the 70 to do ministry and proclaim the Kingdom)

Jesus provided a model, equipped and sent out His disciples.

Pray and ask God to identify who you can model, equip, and send out as Jesus to minister and proclaim the Kingdom.