Matthew 28:19
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," - Matthew 28:19 NRSV-CI
This verse from Matthew 28:19, often called the Great Commission, is one of the most significant instructions Jesus gave to His followers. It serves as a command for spreading the gospel and making disciples worldwide. Let’s break it down:
1. A Call to Action: "Go Therefore"
The word “Go” is a direct command, emphasizing movement and purpose. Jesus is not calling His disciples to remain passive but to actively engage in spreading His teachings. The word “therefore” connects this command to the previous verse, where Jesus declares that He has been given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). Because of His divine authority, He now commissions His followers to take His message to the world.
2. Making Disciples of All Nations
The instruction to “make disciples of all nations” highlights the global scope of the gospel. In the Old Testament, Israel was chosen to be a light to the nations, but now Jesus expands this mission beyond one group of people to include all nations, cultures, and ethnicities. This underscores that the gospel is for everyone, not just a select group. Making disciples involves more than just sharing the message; it means teaching, mentoring, and guiding people to grow in their faith.
3. Baptizing in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Baptism is a symbolic act of faith, repentance, and new life in Christ. The phrase “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” is one of the clearest expressions of the Trinity in Scripture. It signifies that a disciple’s commitment is not just to Jesus alone but to the fullness of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This also indicates that baptism is not just a ritual but a spiritual transformation where a person publicly declares their faith and enters into a new relationship with God.
Final Thought
This verse is a foundational mission statement for Christianity. It calls believers to be active participants in God’s plan, spreading His message, nurturing disciples, and baptizing new believers. It also emphasizes the unity of the Trinity in the work of salvation. Ultimately, the Great Commission reminds us that faith is not meant to be kept private—it is meant to be shared with the world.
May God bless you.
