Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 8: Resurrection and New Life
8.7 — The Great Commission
8.7 — The Great Commission: The risen King sends His followers into the world.
8.7 — The Great Commission
Go and Make Disciples
For forty days after His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His followers.
He taught them.
He encouraged them.
He proved that He was alive.
Now the time had come for His earthly ministry to draw to a close.
The disciples had spent years learning from Jesus.
They had watched His miracles.
They had heard His teaching.
They had witnessed His death and resurrection.
What would happen next?
The answer was not for the disciples to remain where they were.
The answer was to go.
Before ascending into heaven, Jesus entrusted His followers with a mission that continues to this day.
The Great Commission is not merely a command for a few believers.
It is the mission of the Church.
Every generation of Christians has been called to carry the Gospel to the world.
Scripture References
Matthew 28:16–20
Mark 16:15
Luke 24:46–49
John 20:21
Acts 1:8
Daniel 7:13–14
The Story
The disciples gathered with Jesus on a mountain in Galilee.
Some worshiped Him immediately.
Others still struggled to comprehend everything that had happened.
Jesus approached them and declared:
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”
With those words, Jesus established the foundation for the mission.
The disciples would not go in their own authority.
They would go under His authority.
Jesus then gave His command:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.”
The mission extended beyond Israel.
The Gospel was for the entire world.
Jesus instructed them to baptize believers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
He also instructed them to teach others to obey everything He had commanded.
Finally, Jesus gave a promise:
“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
The disciples would not be alone.
The risen Christ would continue to be with His people.
Understanding the Story
What Is a Disciple?
A disciple is more than a believer.
A disciple is a learner, follower, and apprentice of Jesus.
The mission involves helping people grow in faith and obedience.
Why Is This Called the Great Commission?
The word “commission” refers to being sent with authority and purpose.
Jesus commissioned His followers to continue His work in the world.
Why Does the Mission Include All Nations?
God’s plan has always included people from every tribe, language, and nation.
The Gospel is not limited to one group.
Jesus came for the world.
Understanding Jesus
Why Does Jesus Begin With Authority?
The mission rests on who Jesus is.
Because He possesses all authority, His followers can obey with confidence.
What Does Baptism Represent?
Baptism publicly identifies believers with Christ.
It symbolizes new life, faith, and commitment to following Him.
Why Does Jesus Promise His Presence?
The task is too large to accomplish alone.
Jesus reassures His followers that He remains with them through the Holy Spirit and through His continuing work in the world.
Understanding Jesus: Discipleship, Not Just Decisions
The Great Commission focuses on making disciples.
Jesus did not merely tell His followers to gather converts.
He told them to help people learn, grow, obey, and follow Him.
Discipleship is a lifelong process.
The mission includes evangelism, teaching, worship, fellowship, and service.
This commission shapes the work of the Church today.
Old Testament Connections
God promised Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his descendants.
The prophets spoke of a time when people from every nation would come to know the Lord.
Daniel saw a vision of the Son of Man receiving authority over all peoples and nations.
The Great Commission fulfills these promises.
The mission now extends to the ends of the earth.
Missing Context Check
Were Only the Eleven Present?
Matthew specifically mentions the Eleven, but the commission represents the mission entrusted to the entire Church.
Does “Go” Mean Everyone Must Become a Missionary?
Not necessarily.
Some believers travel to distant places.
Others serve in their homes, workplaces, schools, and communities.
Every Christian participates in sharing the Gospel.
Why Is Teaching Included?
Faith involves growth.
Jesus calls believers not only to begin following Him but to continue growing as disciples.
A Deeper Look: The Mission Continues
The earthly ministry of Jesus was ending.
The mission of Jesus was not.
The disciples would become witnesses.
The Gospel would spread throughout Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and beyond.
Today, Christians continue participating in that same mission.
Every act of teaching, serving, sharing, encouraging, and discipling helps fulfill the Great Commission.
See the Related Lessons section near the bottom of this page for connections to Pentecost and the beginning of the Church.
Key Themes
Jesus Has All Authority
The mission is grounded in His authority.
The Gospel Is For Everyone
All nations are included in God’s plan.
Discipleship Matters
Believers are called to grow and help others grow.
esus Remains Present
The risen Christ is with His people.
Why This Lesson Matters
The Great Commission provides purpose for the Church.
It reminds believers that faith is not merely private.
Christians are called to share the hope they have received.
The mission continues until Christ returns.
Every believer has a role in helping others know and follow Jesus.
Connecting to Jesus
This lesson reveals Jesus as:
The Risen Lord.
The King With All Authority.
The Sender of His People.
The Teacher.
The Savior of the World.
The One Who Remains With His Church.
Living the Message
Pray for opportunities to share your faith.
Encourage someone in their spiritual growth.
Look for ways to serve in your church and community.
Remember that discipleship involves both learning and helping others learn.
Trust that Jesus is with you as you follow Him.
Reflection Questions
Why does Jesus begin with His authority?
Possible answers:
Because the mission is grounded in who He is.
What is a disciple?
Possible answers:
A learner and follower of Jesus.
Why is the Gospel for all nations?
Possible answers:
God desires people everywhere to know Him.
What role does teaching play?
Possible answers:
Teaching helps believers grow in faith and obedience.
What promise does Jesus give?
Possible answers:
“I am with you always.”
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Jesus commissioned His followers to make disciples of all nations.
Reasons We Believe
The risen Christ possesses all authority and continues His mission through His people.
Obedience in Action
Look for opportunities to share Christ’s love and truth.
Walk It Out
Help someone take a next step in their faith journey.
Related Lessons
Season 8: Resurrection and New Life
Season 7: The Final Week of Jesus
Season 1: Life in the Spirit (Learn the Story of the Church)
1.0 Life in the Spirit Overview
Related Pages
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Continue Learning
Season 8: Resurrection and New Life
The disciples had followed Jesus.
Now they were sent by Jesus.
The mission was clear.
The authority was His.
The promise was certain.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” — Matthew 28:19
And the Church has been carrying that mission forward ever since.
