The Great Commission
Matthew 28:18-20
NLT“Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Sent to all nations — behind mission education and healthcare, and sometimes conflated with colonialism.
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. This verse is the bedrock of Christian mission and evangelism. It breaks down ethnic and geographical boundaries, envisioning a universal faith. It also formally articulates the Trinitarian formula for baptism, establishing the foundational rite of initiation into the Christian community.
Light
Gives the Christian community a clear sense of purpose and outward focus. It has historically driven immense efforts in education, healthcare, and community building around the world.
Shadow
Historically, the mandate to 'make disciples of all nations' has sometimes been conflated with colonialism and cultural erasure, leading to the suppression of indigenous traditions and beliefs.
