What Matthew 28:18-20 (Great Commission) Is Doing
In the Universal theological tradition, Matthew 28:18-20 is viewed as a definitive commission given by Christ, emphasizing his authority over all nations and the imperative call to make disciples. This passage encapsulates the universal mission of the Church, highlighting not only the importance of evangelism but also the transformative power of baptism and teaching in fostering a holistic faith community.
Exegetically, this passage is rich in its use of the term 'Go' (poreuthentes), which signifies an active and ongoing mission, rather than a passive command. The phrase 'all authority' encompasses Christ's sovereignty over both heaven and earth, establishing the foundation for the Church's mission to engage with all cultures and peoples globally.
Before You Outline: What the Text Actually Says
Observations from the original language and setting — the exegetical floor every tradition below is standing on.
The Greek word 'matheteusate' (make disciples) implies a lifelong process rather than a one-time event.
The use of the term 'nations' (ethne) emphasizes the inclusivity of the gospel.
The structure of the command, with 'baptizing' and 'teaching' as participles, underscores the ongoing nature of discipleship.
4 Directions a Sermon on Matthew 28:18-20 (Great Commission) Can Take
Each of these is a different big idea, not three points of one sermon. Pick the one this congregation needs this week — the generator will build the structure around it.
The authority of Christ as the basis for our mission
Build an outline on this idea →The imperative of discipleship in a fragmented world
Build an outline on this idea →How to cultivate a culture of evangelism within the church
Build an outline on this idea →The significance of baptism as an entry into community and mission
Build an outline on this idea →Images Already in the Passage
Start your illustrations here rather than importing one from somewhere else — these are the pictures the text itself hands you.
- A tapestry representing the diverse cultures of the world woven together in Christ
- A river flowing from a source, symbolizing the living water of the gospel reaching all corners of the earth
- A lighthouse guiding ships safely, representing the Church's role in directing souls to Christ
- A garden where various plants grow together, illustrating the beauty of the Church's unity in diversity
Looking for worked illustrations on this text? Matthew 28:18-20 (Great Commission) sermon illustrations at IllustrateTheWord.
Where This Lands on a Sunday
- Embracing the call to global missions
- The importance of community in discipleship
- The role of teaching in spiritual growth
- Sacramental life and the significance of baptism
How 17 Traditions Preach Matthew 28:18-20 (Great Commission)
The same text, read from inside 17 different theological homes. Open yours for its full treatment — emphasis, application themes, recommended commentators, and the mistakes that tradition most often makes on this passage.
Traditional
In the Evangelical tradition, Matthew 28:18-20 is seen as the Great Commission, emphasizing the authority of Christ and the call for all believers to make disciples. It underscores the necessity of personal salvation through faith in Jesus, highlighting the role of the church in evangelism and global mission work.
Watch for: Avoid reducing the Great Commission to merely a call for individual evangelism without considering the communal aspect of discipleship.
Progressive
In the Mainline Protestant tradition, Matthew 28:18-20 is understood as a commission to all believers to engage in the work of discipleship and social justice. This passage emphasizes the authority of Christ, not as a tyrant, but as one who empowers us to enact justice, mercy, and reconciliation in the world.
Watch for: Avoid reducing the Great Commission to mere evangelism without social action.
Missional
In the Lutheran tradition, Matthew 28:18-20 reveals the heart of the Great Commission, emphasizing both the authority of Christ and the dual nature of humanity as simul justus et peccator—simultaneously justified and sinful. This passage calls believers to live out their faith through evangelism and discipleship, grounded in the grace of Christ, who empowers us through His presence and the Holy Spirit.
Watch for: Avoid reducing the Great Commission to merely a call for individual evangelism without community involvement.
Reformed
In the Reformed tradition, Matthew 28:18-20 is understood as the Great Commission, highlighting God's sovereignty in the mission of the church. This passage emphasizes that all authority has been given to Christ, underscoring His lordship over all creation and the necessity of obedience to His command to make disciples, rooted in covenant theology which sees God's promises fulfilled through Christ.
Watch for: Avoid reducing the Great Commission to mere numbers or metrics of success; it is about genuine, relational discipleship.
Wesleyan
In the Wesleyan/Methodist tradition, Matthew 28:18-20 emphasizes the role of God's prevenient grace in the Great Commission. This passage calls believers to recognize that all authority belongs to Christ, urging them to share the Gospel as an expression of God's love and grace that seeks out all people. It also reflects the transformative journey of sanctification, where disciples are not only baptized but also taught to embody the teachings of Jesus in their daily lives.
Watch for: Avoid interpreting the Great Commission as solely an individual mandate, neglecting the communal aspect of the church's mission.
Lutheran
The Anabaptist tradition understands Matthew 28:18-20 as a call not just to evangelize but to embody the teachings of Jesus through community and discipleship, emphasizing the importance of living out the Gospel in everyday life. This passage highlights the role of Jesus as the authority that compels believers to engage in a transformative mission characterized by peace, love, and reconciliation.
Watch for: Avoid interpreting the Great Commission solely as a directive for individual evangelism, neglecting the communal aspect.
Catholic
In the Catholic tradition, Matthew 28:18-20 is understood as the Great Commission, highlighting the authority of Christ as the risen Lord who sends His disciples to evangelize the world. This passage emphasizes the importance of the sacraments, especially baptism, as integral to the faith community's role in making disciples and fostering spiritual growth within the Church.
Watch for: Avoid reducing the Great Commission to merely a call for individual evangelism without recognizing the communal aspect of the Church's mission.
Anabaptist
In the Progressive theological tradition, Matthew 28:18-20 is understood as a call to embody the inclusive love of Christ in all aspects of life. This passage emphasizes the importance of making disciples that reflect the diversity of creation and advocates for justice and equity in the world, challenging traditional interpretations that prioritize conversion over social transformation.
Watch for: Avoid reducing the Great Commission to mere social activism without grounding it in the transformative love of Christ.
Pentecostal
In the Pentecostal tradition, Matthew 28:18-20 is seen as a mandate for the Church to engage in Spirit-empowered evangelism and discipleship. The command to make disciples of all nations is infused with the expectation of the Holy Spirit's active presence, enabling believers to operate in the gifts of the Spirit as they fulfill the Great Commission.
Watch for: Avoid interpreting the Great Commission as merely a call for individual evangelism without a communal aspect.
Christocentric
In the Non-Denominational tradition, Matthew 28:18-20 is seen as a foundational mandate for all believers to participate in the Great Commission. This passage emphasizes the authority of Christ, empowering every follower to share the gospel and make disciples, reflecting the belief in the priesthood of all believers.
Watch for: Avoid the misconception that the Great Commission is solely for missionaries or church leaders.
Eastern Orthodox
In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, Matthew 28:18-20 is viewed as the Great Commission, emphasizing the divine authority of Christ who sends His disciples to all nations. This mission reflects the transformative nature of theosis, as believers are called not only to baptize and teach but to invite all into the divine life of communion with God.
Watch for: Avoid reducing the Great Commission to mere proselytism; it is about inviting others into a transformative relationship with God.
Black Church
In the Black Church tradition, Matthew 28:18-20 is understood as a transformative call to discipleship that empowers the oppressed to spread the Gospel. This passage emphasizes the authority of Christ not just as a spiritual leader but as a liberator, compelling believers to engage in social justice as an extension of their faith in action.
Watch for: Avoid interpreting the passage solely as a call to individual evangelism without considering community impact.
Anglican
In the Anglican/Episcopal tradition, this passage is understood as the Great Commission, highlighting the church's call to mission and discipleship. The emphasis on Jesus' authority invites us to recognize His sovereign power and presence, affirming the importance of evangelism and teaching within our communities as a response to this divine mandate.
Watch for: Avoid interpreting the Great Commission solely as a call for individual evangelism, rather than a communal mission.
Baptist
In the Baptist tradition, Matthew 28:18-20 is understood as a clear mandate for the church's mission, emphasizing the authority of Jesus to commission believers to make disciples. This passage underscores the importance of believer's baptism, which signifies an individual's personal faith and commitment to Christ as part of the discipleship process.
Watch for: Avoid overemphasizing the act of baptism at the expense of understanding its meaning.
Charismatic
In the Charismatic tradition, Matthew 28:18-20 is viewed as a commissioning that empowers believers to participate in the Great Commission through the active work of the Holy Spirit. This passage emphasizes the authority of Jesus and the necessity of spiritual gifts and divine empowerment in fulfilling the mission of making disciples, which includes experiencing signs and wonders as affirmations of God's presence.
Watch for: Avoid reducing the Great Commission to mere programs or strategies without reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Dispensational
In the Dispensational tradition, Matthew 28:18-20 is understood as the Great Commission that emphasizes the distinct roles of the Church and Israel. The authority of Christ in all heaven and earth underscores His sovereignty, while the command to make disciples points to the Church's mission during the current church age, distinct from Israel's future national restoration.
Watch for: Avoid conflating the Church's mission with Israel's national promises, which can lead to theological confusion.
Liberation
In the Liberation theological tradition, Matthew 28:18-20 is understood as a call to actively engage in the struggle for justice and liberation for the marginalized. The Great Commission is seen not merely as a directive for evangelism but as a mandate to make disciples of all nations by dismantling oppressive systems and advocating for the poor and oppressed, reflecting Jesus’ ministry of inclusion and justice.
Watch for: Avoid interpreting the Great Commission solely in terms of individual salvation, neglecting its communal and transformative implications.
Commentators Worth Having Open on Matthew 28:18-20 (Great Commission)
- N.T. Wright
- Craig Keener
- Gordon Fee
- F.F. Bruce
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