Three Great Commissions                      [return to devotional list]

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

(Mt.28:19-20)

Go and make disciples! That seems simple enough. As one of the clearest instructions in the Bible, Jesus made His mission clear and simple. He did not intend for man to develop theologies about the Great Commission or missionologies to be studied and debated in seminaries. He expected men everywhere to heed his instruction and to work the fields immediately for the Harvest (Jn.4:34-36). But where do you start? How should one proceed?

There are three common interpretations that have confused many believers along the path of faith. Each reveals some truth, but I ask you where is your faith? Where is your conviction? How do you see it?

First, some regard the original text as meaning, "As you go... make disciples." In other words, as you go through your daily activities, remain in an attitude of "reaching out." As you live your life where you live, make a point of daily reaching the people you encounter with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Attend the local church and participate in ministry. This group is satisfied with Sunday morning services and mid-week home groups. They love the Lord, but they have another life to live during the week. Their motto is "Live your life, but make disciples along the way."

Second, some read the English text as "Go out... and make disciples." Go somewhere and make disciples. This group perceives the imperative to go - to be intentional about the going. Live your life, but let's reach out. Live where you live, but let's reach the community for Christ. Attend the local church, but let's go outside the church. This group is not content to disciple only the church body. They want to go and reach new people. They want to seek and save the lost. This group participates in evangelistic ministries and short-term missions. Their motto is, "Live your life, but go out and make disciples."

Third, some interpret the phrase as "Go to the nations and make disciples." They receive Christ's instruction as an implorable mission. Move and make disciples. Move from city to city and make disciples. Go to the nations! Live where I send you, and make disciples. Make disciples where I send you, and live along the way. This group regards their life as nothing. They would rather live the life Jesus lived. This group understands the importance of the local church, but they have a kingdom vision. Reach the people and God will build the church. They are less concerned with building a great ministry and more concerned about shining light in dark places and unchartered territories. They are more concerned with the nations - the heathen, the unchurched. Their motto is, "Make disciples where I am sent, and live the life Jesus lived."

How do you see it? How do you read it? Where is your conviction? In that, you will find the true meaning.

- Pastor Kevin Slack

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