OCT 16

Matthew 28:18-20
Memorise Matthew 28:19
"I am with thee alway..."

The Great Commission is the term given to today’s passage. It was the command given to the disciples before the Lord’s ascension into heaven. This command is also directed at all believers and not only to pastors and preachers. Of course pastors and preachers will be greatly involved in carrying out this Great Commission but all believers have a role to play too.

First, the Great Commission is evangelistic. God commands us to go forth to bring the gospel to all. The key word to note is the word “go”. It is a word that commands. But while we are commanded to go, Jesus assures us in Matt 28:20 that His almighty power accompanies us wherever we go.

Second, the gospel must be brought far and wide to all nations. Like light, the gospel must be sent out wherever men may be. The salvation by Christ should be offered to all, and none excluded. And, just as disciples are to go everywhere, to the uttermost parts of the earth, they are also to “teach” all nations.

The third part of the commission is to “baptize” believers in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Thus those who believe must be baptized in obedience to this command and undergo the sacrament of holy baptism by water. It is an outward sign of an inward faith. It is the public confession of this inward belief, thus identifying the new believer with Christ.

Have you invited someone to church? Have you given someone a tract? Have you ever witnessed to a friend about the way of salvation? All these are ways which a believer can use to reach out to the lost. As we mature in Christ, we will be able to go further and even become a Sunday school teacher, or have opportunities to join mission trips and bring the gospel to people in other countries who have never heard of Christ. Though we may not baptize, we can explain and encourage our loved ones and friends who have been saved to seek baptism in obedience to the Lord’s command.

Thought: Untold millions are still untold.
Prayer: Lord, remind me always of the part I must play to bring the gospel to the untold millions who are still outside Thy fold.