By Rev. Dr. Dezo Schreiner
When we hear the words The Great Commission, many of us think of Jesus’ final instructions before ascending into heaven. But I want you to hear this clearly: those were not just words to conclude Jesus’ ministry on earth—they were words to begin ours.
The Great Commission is not a slogan. It is not a church program. It is not reserved for missionaries or pastors. It is a call for all of us.
A Mountain, Worship, and Doubt
Matthew tells us the disciples met Jesus on a mountain in Galilee. In Scripture, mountains are places of revelation—Sinai, Carmel, the Mount of Transfiguration. And now this mountain.
But Matthew also tells us something striking: they worshiped Him, but some doubted.
This is after the resurrection. After the empty tomb. After the miracles. And still–doubt.
To me, that is good news.
Because it tells us that God’s mission has never depended on perfect faith. It depends on willing hearts. Faith and uncertainty can coexist. And Jesus does not scold the disciples' doubt–He commissions them anyway.
The call of God is not reserved for the flawless. It is spoken most clearly to the wounded and the willing.
“All Authority” — But What Kind?
Jesus begins with a powerful declaration:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
We often misunderstand authority. In our world, authority is about control, domination, and power over others. But in the Gospel of Matthew, authority looks different.
Christ’s authority heals the sick.
Christ’s authority forgives sins.
Christ’s authority restores the broken.
This is not the authority to dominate–it is the authority to bring hope to the oppressed. It is the power to set people free.
So if our version of power destroys, humiliates, or causes suffering, then it is not the power of God. Because the power of God always moves toward mercy, justice, healing, and restoration.
In a world that confuses strength with control, we must remember: the authority of Jesus Christ looks like love in action.
“Go and Make Disciples” – What Does That Mean?
Jesus says:
“Go and make disciples… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
At first glance, “obey” can sound harsh. But obedience here is not rigid rule-keeping. It is a way of life shaped by love and justice.
It is feeding the hungry.
It is welcoming the strangers.
It is visiting the imprisoned.
It is forgiving when it is hard.
In God’s eyes, lived faith carries more weight than perfect doctrine.
Let me say that again:
In God’s eyes, lived faith carries more weight than perfect doctrine.
Christian discipleship is not just about believing the right things. It is about living the love of Christ in public.
And that is where it becomes challenging.
It is easy to love in church. We are gathered for the same purpose. But the Great Commission sends us beyond these walls–to love those who disagree with us, those who hurt us, those who are different from us.
Jesus says, “all nations.” Not some nations. Not familiar nations. All nations.
That means the circle widens.
The church is meant to be multicultural, multilingual, multicolored, and multi-story. The Kingdom of God is bigger than our comfort zones. And the Spirit of God moves when walls come down.
The Great Commission is not about building a bigger church.
It is about revealing a bigger Kingdom.
The Great Commission and Christian Stewardship
For months, a stewardship tree stood in our sanctuary. Its leaves carried prayers, commitments, gifts, and lives offered to God. As we take that tree down, I want you to hear this:
The stewardship must not come down with it.
Because at its heart, the Great Commission is a call to stewardship.
Stewardship of the Gospel.
Stewardship of our spiritual gifts.
Stewardship of our compassion.
Stewardship of our lives.
Those leaves were never meant to stay on a wooden tree. They were meant to grow on living branches–on you, on me, on this church.
Biblical stewardship is not about money alone. It is about offering our whole lives to God’s mission. It is about using what we have been given–time, talent, influence, resources for the sake of God’s Kingdom.
The Great Commission and Christian stewardship belong together. Because discipleship requires participation.
Jesus does not build His mission alone. He builds it through us.
The Promise That Makes It Possible
Jesus ends not with another command, but with a promise:
“I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
That promise changes everything.
This mission is not for Jesus.
It is with Jesus.
The risen Christ guides us. Sustains us. Empowers us beyond fear and beyond barriers. We do not go in our own strength. We go in His presence.
The Great Commission is not only for missionaries. Not only for pastors. Not only for those who feel “especially called.”
It is the great call for all of us:
To live under Christ’s liberating authority.
To love with courage.
To seek justice with mercy.
To practice radical hospitality.
To trust that Christ walks with us.
And if we answer that call, the world will not just hear about Jesus.
They will see Jesus–
in how we love,
in how we welcome,
in how we live together as one.
So go, make disciples.
Go, do justice.
Go, love mercy.
Go, walk humbly with your God.
Because the Great Commission has always been a call for all of us.
Amen.
Q&A Summary
What is the Great Commission?
Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:18–20 to go, make disciples of all nations, teach His way of life, and trust His ongoing presence.
Is the Great Commission only for pastors or missionaries?
No. It is a call for every believer. Christian discipleship is for all of us.
What does “all authority” mean in this passage?
Christ’s authority is not domination–it is healing, forgiveness, justice, and restoration.
What does it mean to “make disciples”?
It means living and teaching a life shaped by love, mercy, justice, and obedience to Jesus, not just correct belief.
How is stewardship connected to the Great Commission?
We are stewards of the Gospel, our gifts, and our lives. The mission of Jesus advances through our faithful participation.
How can we live the Great Commission today?
By loving in public, welcoming the stranger, seeking justice, practicing mercy, and trusting that Jesus is with us always.