One Command (28:19). Jesus is not complicating things. Even though he says a lot in these few verses, there is only one command. In grammar lingo, it is an imperative. “Make Disciples” – mathetusate – learner, follower, life patterned after another. Not mere “converts.” Everything is connected or contained in this command.

Three Courses of Action (28:19-20). These are participles, words that expand on the action of the main verb. 

• “Going” – this is a lifestyle focus. “As you go.” “Wherever you go.” Take the gospel everywhere.

• “Baptizing” – incorporation into Christ and identification with the church. It takes a body of believers united in covenant to really produce followers of Christ.

• “Teaching to observe”- didaskontes – calling others to follow the Lord Jesus; the aim is obedience (see also Rom 1:5-6). Surrender allegiance to Christ above all. The aim is not merely hearing or knowing or memorizing or even proclaiming to others. The aim is obeying.

Four Convictions (28:18-20). ALL is the key word to each of these convictions. We need to hold dear to all of them if we want to be effective in Great Commission work.

• “All authority” – in heaven (eternal) and on earth (historical). If only in heaven, Christ’s authority would be no different than a myth. If only on earth, Christ’s authority would merely be like all the other rulers and spiritual leaders that have come before and since Him. But it is both. He is Lord over time and eternity, heaven and earth, the spiritual and the physical. And His being Lord of all takes away any absolute right another may claim to rule over us, including ourselves. 

• “All nations [ethne]”. Our world is shrinking. We have unprecedented access all around the globe. You can call, text, email, and video chat with just about anyone in the world. And there are programs that will translate for you, breaking down the language barrier and opening the door much wider for the spread of the gospel. Here’s what we need to remember: Jesus said all nations, or better, all ethnicities. All people groups. We cannot evangelize only certain people. 

• “All Jesus’ commands” We must teach and preach the whole counsel of God, the Bible. We have no right to pick and choose what we share or don’t share. 

• “All the days” Knowing Jesus is with us is spiritually empowering. Two key thoughts related to His presence are being identified with Him and receiving His provision. We belong to God, and He will support. We have no need to fear, fret, or even to operate in our own strength.

1 Command, 3 Courses of Action, 4 Convictions. What about 2? 

Two Choices (28:17). 

• You can fearfully shrink back in “doubt” or you can boldly move forward in “worship.”

How will you decide?