A PEEP INTO THE GREAT COMMISSION: GO YE THEREFORE, AND MAKE DISCIPLES… MATTHEW 28: 19.
By
Uwomano Ben Okpevra, JP, PhD, MA.Div.
ubokpevra@gmail.com
Text: Matthew 28:19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Ghost
The Great Commission: The concept of the Great Commission, while lacking a known originator, gained prominence through the efforts of James Hudson Taylor, a British Protestant Christian missionary who dedicated his life to China. Taylor, born on May 21, 1832, and passing away on June 3, 1905, established the China Inland Mission (CIM) in 1865, later renamed the Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF International) in 1964. He dedicated 51 years of his life to China, where the society he initiated sent forth over 800 missionaries who established 125 schools and facilitated 18,000 Christian conversions. Furthermore, this endeavour led to the establishment of more than 300 workstations, employing over 500 local assistants across all eighteen provinces of China.
Taylor's approach was distinctive due to his profound respect for Chinese culture and his unwavering commitment to evangelism. He even embraced native Chinese attire, a rarity among missionaries of his era. Under his leadership, the CIM was notably inclusive, welcoming members from various Protestant denominations. Consequently, Hudson Taylor is acknowledged as one of the most influential Europeans to have visited China during the 19th century. As historian Ruth Tucker aptly summarized, Taylor's vision and systematic approach to evangelizing a vast geographical region set him apart as a missionary figure unrivalled since the days of the Apostle Paul.
The theological foundation for the Great Commission can be traced to specific passages in the New Testament, including Matthew 28:16–20, Mark 16:14-18, Luke 24:44-49, and John 20:19-23. These biblical accounts encapsulate the essence of the Great Commission in Christianity, which entails the resurrected Jesus Christ instructing his disciples to disseminate the gospel to all corners of the world. The crux of the Great Commission, as articulated in Matthew 28:16–20, occurs on a Galilean mountaintop, where Jesus charges his followers with the duty to make disciples of all nations through baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
This commission finds parallels in other Synoptic Gospels, albeit with notable distinctions. In Luke's Gospel, Jesus dispatches disciples during his ministry, including the seventy disciples, authorizing them to journey to the farthest corners of the world and granting them authority over demonic forces.
The concluding chapters of Matthew describe Jesus' appearances in Galilee and his final mandate. Instead of conveying his message in his own words, Matthew preserves the Lord's post-resurrection teaching verbatim.
In summary, the Great Commission, recorded across various biblical passages, compels evangelical Christians to fulfil the responsibility of going forth, making disciples, teaching, and baptizing. Although initially bestowed directly upon the eleven Apostles, evangelical Christian theology widely interprets this commission as a directive for all believers, transcending time and place. This interpretation is particularly poignant, echoing the promise of God's blessing to all families on Earth through Abraham's lineage in Genesis 12:3.
Consequently, the command is clear: disciples are to be made among all nations, spanning diverse people groups and ethnicities. The inclusion of individuals from every corner of the world into the family of God underscores the broad scope of this mission. A disciple, in this context, receives instruction, specifically a baptized follower of Christ who adheres to His teachings. Discipleship to Jesus entails imitating his example, adhering to his sacrifice, believing in his resurrection, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and carrying out his work. Making disciples, as outlined in the Great Commission, involves teaching and training individuals to follow and obey Christ.
Baptism and obedience, two key elements emphasized by Jesus in this command, serve as hallmarks of discipleship. Baptism signifies a believer's commitment to follow Jesus, and the disciples were granted authority to perform this act in the name of God, marking an individual's position within God's eternal family. It is essential to note that Jesus does not instruct his disciples to "print Bibles" or engage in similar endeavours. While the written Word of God is the ultimate reference for matters of faith, the primary work of the Great Commission is the cooperative, mentoring process known as "discipleship."
Acts 1:8 is often viewed as an extension of the Great Commission. In this verse, Jesus promises the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. The book of Acts demonstrates how the apostles progressively carried out this commission, starting in Jerusalem, spreading to Judea and Samaria, and ultimately reaching the farthest corners of the world.
Today, as ambassadors for Christ, we continue to advocate reconciliation with God and strive to fulfil the Great Commission's call to spread the gospel to all nations
Exploring the Contemporary Relevance of the Great Commission
As we delve into the significance of the Great Commission in our modern context, it's essential to recognize that these words, found in Matthew 28:19-20, are not mere suggestions but a resolute command from Jesus Himself. In its original form, it is a directive, not an optional endeavour. There's a compelling argument to consider failing in this regard as a form of sin. James 4:17 underscores this perspective by emphasizing that neglecting to do what is right is, in itself, a transgression, often referred to as the "sin of omission." In essence, we can label it as 'The Great Omission.'
Now, the question arises: Was the Great Commission solely intended for the apostles? The answer is a resounding no. These instructions weren't exclusively for the original eleven disciples or reserved for pastors, evangelists, and missionaries. Instead, they are addressed to every follower of Jesus Christ. If we align ourselves as His disciples, the mandate to go forth and make disciples of others becomes our responsibility. While this doesn't necessarily entail traversing oceans, it undoubtedly encourages initiating conversations with our neighbours.
But what does it mean to "make disciples"? In simple terms, it involves exemplifying discipleship through our way of life and effectively communicating God's Word. Our mission is to teach these new disciples to adhere to the commands given by Jesus. The task before us is not to be mere fair-weather followers or casual churchgoers, but authentic disciples of Christ.
The reality is that, for many of us, the Great Commission has inadvertently transformed into the Great Omission. We must assess our role in fulfilling this commission. Are we actively reaching out to our world, or have we become complacent, waiting for the world to come to us? As Hudson Taylor wisely stated, "The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed." If we aim to be genuine disciples of Jesus, we must heed the call to preach the message of salvation, that "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 NASB).
The Great Commission is not a relic of the past, but a timeless directive that continues to guide our actions in the present day. It challenges us to become devoted disciples of Jesus Christ, actively participating in the vital task of spreading His message of salvation to the world.
In the realm of religious discourse, one frequently encounters discussions regarding the Tetragrammaton, a term denoting the four-letter name of God in Hebrew, often transliterated as YHWH or JHVH and pronounced as Yahweh or Jehovah. This enigmatic name, residing at the core of both Judaism and Christianity, is deemed by many to be ineffable, a name unutterable. In addition to this four-letter divine appellation, other multifaceted names evoke theological contemplation.
One such name, consisting of twelve letters, was elucidated by Galatinus, who interpreted it as representative of the divine triad, "Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." A more intricate variant, comprised of forty-two letters, emanates from the text known as Gale Razia, articulating a profound trinity of "Father God, Son God, Holy Ghost God, three in one, and one in three." These lettered expressions, woven into the tapestry of the Hebrew language, serve as cryptic vessels of theological significance.
These intricacies of divine nomenclature, steeped in historical and religious significance, invite contemplation and reflection, often fostering profound discussions of spirituality and belief.
In the contemporary ecclesiastical landscape, the matter of the Great Commission holds continued relevance. Evangelii nuntiandi, a significant apostolic exhortation issued by Pope Paul VI in 1975, encapsulates the theme of Catholic evangelization. The Latin phrase itself translates to "in proclaiming the Gospel," underscoring the universal call for all Christians, not just ordained clergy or religious professionals, to partake in the dissemination of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This exhortation emerged from a synod convened by Paul VI, aimed at defining the concept of evangelization within the Catholic tradition. It acknowledged the age-old term's ambiguity and sought to provide theological guidance to clarify its meaning in the modern world, emphasizing the power of living witnesses as essential in an era that values imagery.
Notably, during this synod, the future Pope John Paul II, then Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, played a pivotal role as a consultor and participated in the document's drafting. Evangelii nuntiandi unfolds across seven sections, each serving as a building block in comprehending the significance of evangelization. These sections range from defining evangelization to exploring its content, methods, and recipients.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Evangelii Nuntiandi's enduring importance manifests in its relevance to the concept of the New Evangelization, a call for Catholics and other Christian denominations to deepen their faith, believe in the Gospel, and share its message. In a world where faith faces challenges, this exhortation reminds believers of their duty to propagate the Good News and reach out to those in need of spiritual guidance.
In essence, the Great Commission, as enunciated in Matthew 28:19-20, resonates with the teachings of a compassionate and selfless figure who exemplified love, humility, and inclusivity. It encapsulates the core tenets of Christianity, emphasizing the imperative to share the message of salvation with others, echoing the divine desire for all to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.
Just as in the parable of the servants entrusted with talents, we are called to be diligent stewards of the faith, making disciples of all nations until the day of divine reckoning. This mission resonates with the profound words from Jude 1:3, reminding us that we have been entrusted with a precious faith, a divine gift that impels us to share the good news until every ear has heard. In this sacred endeavour, we are tasked with following in the footsteps of our virtuous exemplar, spreading love, mercy, and righteousness without regard to divisions of race, gender, or social class.
May the blessings of God accompany us on this eternal journey, as we endeavour to fulfil the timeless mandate of the Great Commission.
Being a text presented by Uwomano Ben Okpevra, JP, PhD, MA.Div, on the occasion of Ndokwa Christian Men Fellowship/Ukwuani Archdeanconry Men’s Convention, 2022 on Saturday 27 August 2022 @ the Cathedral Church of Christ, Obiaruku, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.
