Jesus Christ is a name that resonates with people all around the world. He is one of the most celebrated figures in human history, and his teachings have shaped the world we live in today.
But before he ascended into heaven, Jesus had some important instructions for his disciples. Let’s take a closer look at what he told them to do.
The Great Commission
The final instructions that Jesus gave his disciples before he was taken up into heaven are known as the Great Commission. This commission is recorded in the book of Matthew, chapter 28, verses 18-20:
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘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. ‘”
These words are powerful and profound, and they carry great weight even to this day. Let’s break down what Jesus meant by this commission.
Make Disciples
The first part of Jesus’ commission was to make disciples. A disciple is a follower or student of someone else’s teachings. In this case, Jesus was instructing his disciples to go out into the world and spread his teachings so that others could become followers as well.
To make disciples, we need to share our faith with others. We can do this through evangelism or simply by living our lives in a way that reflects our faith. When we share our faith with others, we are planting seeds that can grow into something beautiful.
Baptize Them
The second part of Jesus’ commission was to baptize those who became disciples. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. It symbolizes our new life in Christ and our commitment to follow him.
Baptism is an important step for every believer. It reminds us of the grace and mercy that God has shown us, and it helps us to publicly declare our faith.
Teach Them to Obey
The final part of Jesus’ commission was to teach disciples to obey everything he had commanded. This is an important point because it means that being a disciple is not just about believing the right things; it’s also about doing the right things.
As followers of Christ, we are called to live in a way that reflects his teachings. We are called to love others, serve others, and make a difference in the world around us. When we do these things, we are living out our faith in a tangible way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus left his disciples with an incredible commission before he ascended into heaven. He instructed them to go out into the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything he had commanded.
These instructions are just as relevant today as they were when Jesus first gave them. May we all strive to be faithful disciples of Christ who share his love with others and make a difference in the world around us.
- Make Disciples
- Baptize Them
- Teach Them to Obey