In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus delivered His final marching orders to His disciples in what has become known as “The Great Commission.” It was a “passing of the torch” moment when He conferred His life’s mission to them. Jesus entrusted them (and us) with the responsibility to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…and teaching them to obey everything” that He had commanded.
As we look around today, it seems that many Christians have adopted a different mission, picked up a different torch and gotten their marching orders from a different source than Jesus. Yet, the Great Commission is not just a “good suggestion” but a divine mandate from Jesus Himself. For many it has tragically become a “Great Omission” from their lives.
In many ways we’ve been brainwashed into thinking that building a better life is the greatest mission. We've gotten so caught up in the pursuit of a good life that we’ve forgotten the millions of lives that are at stake. We’ve lost all sense of urgency in the midst of our complacency.
For other well-intentioned believers, they picked up the torch of "make a difference” but lost sight of the command to “make disciples.” As a result, they serve and they give so faithfully that it never crosses their minds that Jesus has called us to more.
We also live in a “cancel culture” that has issued orders of tolerance and acceptance of Jesus-rejecting lifestyles and threatens to publicly shame anyone who says different. This creates a climate of fear and self-censorship. As a result, many believers have adopted a “go along to get along” approach to life.
To remedy this, we must first recognize that The Great Commission was given to us collectively as believers. Jesus has empowered us with His Spirit and promised to be with us always. We are in this together. We are never alone.
Next, we must align our hearts with God's heart and cultivate a deep compassion for those who are far from Jesus. When we begin to see people through Jesus’ eyes we’ll catch the same urgency and sense of mission that He had.
Finally, we need to let go of fear of being canceled and step out in faith. Jesus holds all authority in heaven and on earth. He won't be canceled, the Gospel can’t be stopped, and His kingdom will come!
Let’s be a people whose life mission is The Great Commission!
As we look around today, it seems that many Christians have adopted a different mission, picked up a different torch and gotten their marching orders from a different source than Jesus. Yet, the Great Commission is not just a “good suggestion” but a divine mandate from Jesus Himself. For many it has tragically become a “Great Omission” from their lives.
In many ways we’ve been brainwashed into thinking that building a better life is the greatest mission. We've gotten so caught up in the pursuit of a good life that we’ve forgotten the millions of lives that are at stake. We’ve lost all sense of urgency in the midst of our complacency.
For other well-intentioned believers, they picked up the torch of "make a difference” but lost sight of the command to “make disciples.” As a result, they serve and they give so faithfully that it never crosses their minds that Jesus has called us to more.
We also live in a “cancel culture” that has issued orders of tolerance and acceptance of Jesus-rejecting lifestyles and threatens to publicly shame anyone who says different. This creates a climate of fear and self-censorship. As a result, many believers have adopted a “go along to get along” approach to life.
To remedy this, we must first recognize that The Great Commission was given to us collectively as believers. Jesus has empowered us with His Spirit and promised to be with us always. We are in this together. We are never alone.
Next, we must align our hearts with God's heart and cultivate a deep compassion for those who are far from Jesus. When we begin to see people through Jesus’ eyes we’ll catch the same urgency and sense of mission that He had.
Finally, we need to let go of fear of being canceled and step out in faith. Jesus holds all authority in heaven and on earth. He won't be canceled, the Gospel can’t be stopped, and His kingdom will come!
Let’s be a people whose life mission is The Great Commission!
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