Knowing The Word: The Great Commission, Matthew 28:16-20 and Mark 16:14-20

The Great Commission is Jesus’ marching orders for the Church. We find it explicitly communicated in Matthew and Mark. When we fail to do what he calls us to, then are we being his Church? Consider the following in your own life: Do you study and know everything that Jesus taught? Is making disciples of others a priority in your life? Do you believe that Jesus is with you all the time?

Matthew: 16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Mark: 14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. 15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.

Lord, you gave the great commission:

“Heal the sick and preach the word.”

Lest the Church neglect its mission

and the Gospel go unheard,

help us witness to your purpose

with renewed integrity;

with the Spirit’s gifts empower us

for the work of ministry.