City Life Starter

Written by Scott Fiddler

16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:16-20

Commentary

This is one of the most famous passages in the Bible and is often cited as the basis for evangelism. But to see only that in Jesus’ words is to miss the true importance of them. Jesus didn’t say to go and make converts or just to go and baptize. He said to go and make disciples. People must be baptized because discipleship starts with conversion, but that is only the beginning of what Jesus commanded; after people are converted they must be taught to be obedient to Jesus (v. 20). 

In the Great Commission, Jesus starts by referencing his authority, which is complete throughout creation, covering both the spiritual and natural realms (v. 18). The next two words, “Go, therefore,” indicate that what follows is a logical imperative from what preceded it, and what follows is Jesus’ command that we teach people how to follow Him (v. 20). Because Jesus has all authority, we should teach people to observe all that He taught. In other words, Jesus’ authority compels a disciple’s obedience not just his salvation.

Theologians have debated, and will continue to debate, whether someone who prays the sinner’s prayer but continues to live in disobedience to Jesus is truly saved. Some would say that person is justified (forgiven their sins) but not sanctified. Others would argue that justification is proven by one’s sanctification and that the absence of any evidence of the latter is evidence of the absence of the former.

Regardless of where one comes down on this theological debate, one thing there should be no debate about is that it is changed people who change the world. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10) because His kingdom comes when His will is done on earth as it is in heaven. It is our sanctification then, not our justification, that manifests the kingdom of God on earth.

Application

So, to knock on doors, share the gospel, or do the God test with the goal of only leading people in the sinner’s prayer is to miss the full import of the Great Commission. We have not been commissioned to merely fill buses for heaven but to bring heaven to earth.

Prayer

Lord, please help me to make true disciples and fulfill the Great Commission. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.