Motivation for the Great Commission

An Invitation to Partner with Jesus

Let’s take a fresh look at the original Great Commission passage in Scripture:

Then Jesus came and said to them, “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.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

As we consider the Great Commission, it becomes clear that disciple-making is an invitation to partner with Jesus in the work He wants to accomplish on earth—a call paired with equipping. 

Equipped for the Great Commission

Consider these Scriptures and how Jesus has called and equipped you for His work:

• “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”  At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:19,20
• For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45  
• After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:27-32
• You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. John 15:16  

Pray

Lord, give me insight into those you are calling me to serve, to eat with, to invest in. Thank you that you both call and equip me, and you are with me throughout the process.

Adapted from “Motivation for the Great Commission” by Doug Nuenke, YouVersion Bible app Reading Plans.