Jesus talked about the Great Commission because it was the central mission He left for His followers—to take the gospel to every nation, make disciples, and teach them to obey His commands. In Matthew 28:18–20, Jesus declares His full authority and then sends out His disciples with a clear, urgent purpose. He wasn’t just wrapping up His time on earth with a nice farewell—He was giving them (and us) a lifelong mission backed by His power and presence.
This command still matters today. Whether you’re sharing your faith at work, helping someone grow in their relationship with Christ, or supporting missions around the world, you’re part of what Jesus started. The Great Commission isn’t just about going far—it’s about being faithful where you are. Keep reading to dive deeper into what Jesus meant, why it matters, and how you can live it out today.
If you’ve ever wondered why Jesus talked about the Great Commission, you’re not alone. This moment, found in Matthew 28:18-20, is often quoted in churches, missions conferences, and Bible studies. But what exactly did Jesus mean? And why did He say it right before leaving the earth?
Let’s break it down clearly, practically, and biblically.
What Is the Great Commission?
The Great Commission is what Jesus told His disciples after His resurrection and before His ascension into heaven. It’s recorded in Matthew 28:18–20:
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
That’s it. Just a few sentences. But packed with eternal purpose.
1. Because Jesus Had All Authority
Jesus begins by saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
This is huge. He’s not just giving advice—He’s giving orders with divine authority. After defeating sin and death through the cross and resurrection, Jesus now has the complete authority to commission His followers. He’s not just a teacher anymore. He’s the risen King.
So, why did He mention authority?
- To give the disciples confidence.
- To show the mission was based on His power, not theirs.
- To clarify that this wasn’t optional—it was a command.
Bottom line: Jesus had the right to send His followers, and they had the responsibility to go.
2. Because the World Needed the Gospel
At that moment in history, only a small group of people had seen or heard the truth of Jesus’ death and resurrection. And Jesus didn’t die for just one nation or culture—He died for everyone.
“For God so loved the world…” – John 3:16
The message needed to go global. So Jesus told His followers:
- Go to all nations (not just Israel).
- Share the gospel (not personal opinions).
- Make disciples, not just converts.
The early church obeyed, and Christianity spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the known world. Today, the Great Commission is still being carried out, because billions still need to hear the gospel.
3. Because Making Disciples Was the Plan
Notice Jesus didn’t say, “Go build churches” or “Go start ministries.” He said, “Make disciples.”
Discipleship means:
- Teaching people to follow Jesus.
- Helping them grow spiritually.
- Walking with them in faith, not just preaching at them.
Jesus spent three years making disciples, and then He told His followers to do the same. This wasn’t a new strategy—it was a continuation of everything He’d modeled.
Think about it this way: Jesus invested in 12 men. Those men (plus others like Paul) changed the world. Discipleship is slow, but it’s powerful.
4. Because Time Was (and Is) Short
Jesus knew He was leaving soon. He wouldn’t physically be on earth anymore. So, He passed the baton.
“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” – John 20:21
If the disciples didn’t share the message, who would?
And that urgency hasn’t changed. People still die without hearing about Jesus. Billions of people are still unreached. So when Jesus said, “Go,” He wasn’t suggesting a good idea—He was sounding an alarm.
5. Because Jesus Promised to Be With Us
Jesus ended the Great Commission with a promise:
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20
He knew the task would be hard. The disciples would face persecution, rejection, and even death. But they wouldn’t be alone.
This matters because:
- You’re not sent for Jesus—you’re sent with Jesus.
- When you step out in faith, He’s already there.
- His presence gives courage, direction, and peace.
What Does This Mean for You Today?
The Great Commission wasn’t just for the original disciples. It’s for you, too—if you follow Jesus.
Here’s what that might look like:
1. Share the Gospel
Start with the people around you. Family, coworkers, classmates, neighbors. You don’t need to be a preacher. Just tell your story, share God’s love, and explain what Jesus did.
“Always be prepared to give an answer… for the hope that you have.” – 1 Peter 3:15
2. Make Disciples
Help others grow in their faith. Maybe that means:
- Starting a Bible study.
- Mentoring a new believer.
- Answering questions with patience and truth.
3. Support Missions
Not everyone is called to move overseas—but you can pray, give, and support those who do. Missions work is still a core part of the Great Commission.
“How can they hear without someone preaching to them?” – Romans 10:14
4. Live on Mission Daily
You don’t have to travel far to obey the Great Commission. Every conversation, every relationship, every workplace is a mission field.
5 Fast Facts About the Great Commission
- Jesus said it after His resurrection, showing it was a top priority before returning to heaven.
- The word “go” is active—disciples aren’t meant to stay still.
- It includes baptizing, meaning public commitment to faith matters.
- It involves teaching, not just telling.
- It ends with a promise, reminding us we’re never alone.
Final Thoughts
So why did Jesus talk about the Great Commission?
Because it was the mission—not just a mission. It was the reason He came, died, and rose again. And now, it’s the reason you and I are here: to share, teach, and lead others to Him.
If you follow Jesus, the Great Commission is your calling. Not out of guilt or pressure, but because the world needs what you know.
So go. Speak. Disciple. Trust that Jesus is with you every step.
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” – Matthew 9:37
Let’s not sit this one out.
FAQs: Why Did Jesus Talk About the Great Commission?
1. What is the Great Commission and why did Jesus talk about it?
The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:18-20, is Jesus’ command to His disciples to spread the gospel, make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey His teachings. Jesus talked about it because it was the core mission He left for His followers—to continue the work He started.
2. Why is the Great Commission important to Christians today?
The Great Commission is important because it defines the purpose of the Church and every believer. Jesus made it clear that reaching others with the gospel isn’t optional—it’s a direct command. It’s how the message of salvation continues to spread today.
3. When did Jesus give the Great Commission and to whom?
Jesus gave the Great Commission after His resurrection and just before He ascended to heaven. He spoke directly to His disciples, but the instruction applies to all believers throughout time.
4. What does Jesus mean by “all authority” in the Great Commission?
When Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” He was claiming full divine authority. This means the mission He’s assigning is backed by the highest power, giving His followers confidence and urgency to act.
5. Why did Jesus include all nations in the Great Commission?
Jesus talked about all nations because the gospel is for everyone, not just the Jews. His salvation is global, and His mission includes every race, language, and people group.
6. What’s the difference between making converts and making disciples?
Jesus didn’t just want believers—He wanted followers. Making converts is about starting the journey; making disciples is about walking with people as they grow in obedience, maturity, and faith.
7. How does the Great Commission affect daily Christian life?
The Great Commission influences how Christians live, speak, and interact. It calls believers to be intentional with their relationships, use their platforms to share Christ, and support missions—locally and globally.
8. Why did Jesus promise to be “with you always” in the Great Commission?
Jesus knew the mission would be hard, so He reassured His followers with the promise of His ongoing presence. Christians aren’t working alone—He empowers and walks with them through the Holy Spirit.
9. Is the Great Commission just for pastors or missionaries?
No, the Great Commission is for every believer. While pastors and missionaries may focus full-time on ministry, all Christians are called to share their faith, teach others, and help make disciples.
10. How can I personally live out the Great Commission?
You can live it out by sharing your faith with those around you, helping others grow spiritually, praying for and supporting global missions, and living a life that reflects Jesus daily. It starts with being intentional and available.
