As Christians, we believe that after Jesus’ resurrection, he spent 40 days with his disciples. During this time, he appeared to them in various forms and taught them many things. However, before Jesus ascended to heaven, he had one final message for his disciples.
What did Jesus say to the Disciples before he ascended to heaven?
Jesus said to his disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
This message is known as the Great Commission. It was not just for the disciples who were present at that time but for all believers throughout history. In these three verses, Jesus gave a clear mandate for his followers:
Making Disciples:
The first part of this commission is to make disciples. A disciple is a learner or a follower of someone who teaches them. In this context, it means making followers of Christ who will learn from him through his teachings in the Bible.
Baptizing:
The second part is baptizing those who become followers of Christ. Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. It symbolizes dying to one’s old self and being raised up as a new creation in Christ.
Teaching:
The third part involves teaching new believers everything that Jesus commanded us. This includes learning about God’s love for us, how we can have a relationship with him through Christ, living according to God’s Word and sharing our faith with others.
The Promise
In addition to giving this commission, Jesus made a promise to be with his disciples always, to the very end of the age. This promise is for all believers. It means that Jesus is present with us in every situation, and we can call on him for help and guidance.
The Importance of the Great Commission
The Great Commission is not just a suggestion or an option for believers. It’s a command from Jesus himself. Our purpose as followers of Christ is to share the good news of his love and salvation with others.
The Great Commission also shows us that our faith is not just about personal salvation but also about making a difference in the world. When we make disciples, we are helping to transform lives and communities for Christ.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus’ final message to his disciples before ascending to heaven was the Great Commission. He commanded them and all believers throughout history to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them everything he commanded us.
As followers of Christ, we are called to live out this commission in our daily lives by sharing our faith with others and making disciples who will continue to spread the love of Christ throughout the world.