The Great Commission
Jesus Sends His Disciples to All Nations
Where to find this story in the Bible
The story of Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:16-20 of the King James Bible (Matthew and Mark and Acts).
Books: Matthew, Mark, Acts
Historical & Cultural Context
The Great Commission was given by the risen Jesus on a mountain in Galilee, shortly before His ascension. The eleven remaining apostles were present, though Matthew notes 'some doubted' — even after the resurrection, faith was not uniform. This commission replaced Israel's territorial mandate with a global one. The early church initially struggled to implement its universal scope — it took Peter's vision (Acts 10), the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), and Paul's missionary journeys to fully realize that 'all nations' meant exactly that.
Key Characters
Key Verses
Matthew 28:18
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."Read in context
Matthew 28:19-20
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."Read in context
Acts 1:8
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."Read in context
The Risen Christ Appears
After His resurrection from the dead, Jesus appeared to His disciples multiple times over forty days. He had conquered death, sin, and the grave. Now He gathered His eleven remaining apostles to a mountain in Galilee — the region where so much of His ministry had taken place. When they saw Him, they worshipped Him, though some still struggled with doubt. It was in this mix of worship and wonder that Jesus gave them their final, defining mission.
All Authority Declared
Before issuing the commission, Jesus made a declaration of cosmic authority: 'All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.' This was not a request for help or a suggestion for future planning. The risen Christ stood before them as the sovereign Lord of all creation. Every command that followed was backed by the unlimited power of the One who had defeated death itself.
The Commission Given
On the basis of His authority, Jesus gave four commands: Go — leave your comfort zone and cross every boundary. Make disciples — not merely converts but fully formed followers. Baptize them — in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, marking their entrance into the community of faith. Teach them — to observe everything He had commanded. The scope was breathtaking: all nations, all commands, all authority.
The Promise That Sustains
Jesus concluded with a promise that has sustained the church for two thousand years: 'Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.' The mission was enormous, the obstacles were daunting, and the disciples were few. But the presence of the risen Christ went with them. In the book of Acts, this promise was fulfilled as the Holy Spirit empowered them to preach in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.
Symbolism & Typology
'All Power Is Given unto Me'
The Commission begins with authority, not with a task. Jesus didn't say 'go and get power' but 'I have all power — now go.' The church's mission is backed by the absolute authority of the risen Christ. We go in His power, not our own.
Baptizing in the Triune Name
Baptism in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the initiation into the community of faith. The Trinitarian formula established here became the church's most fundamental confession. Every baptism declares the full nature of God.
Teaching to Observe
The Commission is not merely evangelistic (make converts) but disciplic (make disciples who obey). Conversion without transformation is incomplete. The goal is not decisions but lifelong obedience-based learning.
'Lo, I Am with You Always'
The Commission closes with a promise: Christ's presence to 'the end of the world.' This is the bookend to Matthew's Gospel, which began with 'Emmanuel — God with us.' The mission is sustained not by human resources but by the continuous presence of Christ.
Cross-References
Spiritual Lessons
Mission Flows from Authority
The Great Commission is not powered by human effort but by Christ's total authority over heaven and earth. We go in His name, not in our own strength.
Discipleship Is the Goal, Not Just Decisions
Jesus did not say 'get decisions' but 'make disciples.' The goal of the Christian mission is not merely conversion but the formation of mature followers who obey all that Christ commanded.
Christ's Presence Is the Church's Greatest Resource
The promise 'I am with you always' means the church is never alone in its mission. Christ's abiding presence through the Holy Spirit is the power behind every act of witness and every work of love.
Discussion Questions
Use these questions for personal reflection, small groups, or family Bible time.
What does the story of The Great Commission teach us about mission flows from authority? How have you seen this truth in your own life?
Discipleship Is the Goal, Not Just Decisions: How does this lesson from The Great Commission challenge the way you think or act today?
Put yourself in jesus's position. What would have been the hardest part of this experience? What would have required the most faith?
The theme of this story is "Mission and Authority." Where do you see this theme playing out in the world today?
How does this story reveal something about who Jesus is and what He came to do?
If you could share one truth from The Great Commission with someone who has never read the Bible, what would it be?
Family Activity Ideas
Bring this story to life with hands-on activities for children and families.
📖 Scripture Memory Challenge
Memorize Matthew 28:18 together as a family this week. Write it on a card, post it on the fridge, and practice saying it each morning. By the end of the week, see who can recite it from memory!
All ages🎭 Act It Out
Have family members take turns acting out different scenes from The Great Commission. Assign roles, create simple costumes from household items, and let everyone participate. After the performance, discuss what each character might have been feeling.
Ages 4–12📝 Story Journal
Give each family member a few minutes to write or draw their favorite part of The Great Commission. Share your entries and discuss what stood out to each person. Keep these pages in a family Bible journal you can look back on.
Ages 5+🍽️ Dinner Table Devotion
At dinner this week, read Matthew 28:19-20 aloud and ask each person: "What is one thing from the story of The Great Commission that you want to remember?" Let everyone share — even the youngest.
All agesFrequently Asked Questions
Where is the story of Great Commission in the Bible?
The story of Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:16-20 of the King James Bible (Matthew and Mark and Acts).
Where in the Bible is the story of Great Commission?
You can find the story of Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20 (KJV).
Where does the story of Great Commission start in the Bible?
The story of Great Commission begins in Matthew 28:16-20. After His resurrection, Jesus meets His disciples on a mountain in Galilee and commissions them to make disciples of all nations, promising His presence until the end of the age.
Where did the Great Commission take place?
Matthew 28:16 says the eleven disciples went to a mountain in Galilee where Jesus had appointed them. The specific mountain is not named, but it was a planned meeting place that Jesus had designated before His crucifixion.
Is the Great Commission for all Christians or just the apostles?
While Jesus spoke directly to the eleven apostles, the scope of the command — 'all nations' and 'unto the end of the world' — extends far beyond their lifetimes. The church has historically understood this as a mandate for all believers in every generation.
What is the relationship between the Great Commission and the Day of Pentecost?
The Great Commission (Matthew 28) gave the command to go and make disciples. The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) provided the power to fulfill it through the coming of the Holy Spirit. Together they form the launch of the Christian church's worldwide mission.
Related Stories
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Matthew 28:19 Commentary
In-depth study • The Great Commission
The Great Commission Bible Quiz
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations — Christ's parting charge to His church.
Matthew 28:19-20 Commentary
In-depth study • Mission & Commission
Matthew 28:18-20 — Meaning & Devotional
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Matthew 28:19-20 — Meaning & Devotional
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What is the Great Commission?
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