The last words spoken by Jesus Christ to His disciples hold immense significance for Christians all around the world. These words, found in the Gospel of Matthew, have been passed down through generations and continue to inspire and guide believers in their faith today.
The Context
Before we delve into the specifics of what Jesus said to His disciples, it’s important to understand the context in which these words were spoken. The scene takes place just before Jesus is about to ascend into heaven after His crucifixion and resurrection.
In Matthew 28:16-20, we read about how Jesus appeared to His disciples on a mountain in Galilee. At this point, He had already appeared to them several times after His resurrection and had given them instructions on what they should do next.
The Words
It’s at this moment that Jesus speaks the final words recorded in the Gospel of Matthew:
“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 commonly known as “The Great Commission” and are considered by many Christians to be one of the most important passages in the Bible.
Making Disciples
The first part of Jesus’ command is straightforward – He tells his disciples to go out into all nations and make disciples. This means that they were not only to share their own experiences with others but also teach them about who Jesus was and what He had taught.
This command has been passed down through generations as a call for Christians everywhere to share their faith with others. It’s a reminder that our mission as believers is not just to keep our faith to ourselves but also actively seek opportunities to share it with others.
Baptizing in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
The act of baptism is an important one in Christianity. It symbolizes a person’s commitment to their faith and their willingness to follow Jesus’ teachings. In this part of the command, Jesus instructs His disciples to baptize those who have become disciples in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
This is a reminder that our faith is not just individualistic but also involves being part of a larger community. Baptism is a way for people to express their commitment to Christ publicly and become part of His church.
Teaching Them to Obey Everything I Have Commanded You
The final part of Jesus’ command is perhaps the most challenging. He tells His disciples to teach new believers to obey everything He has commanded them. This means that Christians are called not only to share their faith but also model it in their daily lives.
This command reminds us that following Christ involves more than just believing in Him – it also requires us to live out His teachings in our everyday lives.
Conclusion
So what is the last thing Jesus said to His disciples? In short, He gave them a mission – go out into all nations and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them everything He had commanded them.
These words continue to inspire Christians today as we seek to live out our faith and share it with others. They remind us that our faith should not be kept hidden but rather shared with others so that they too may experience the love and grace of Jesus Christ.