Does this seem to be such a simple order?! So go make disciples of all nations?(Matthew 28:19). But who should go exactly? Some argued that Jesus’ commandment to go and make disciples was only for the original Apostles and that these apostles subsequently fulfilled the Great Commission, but it was impossible for such an important task to be fulfilled by only eleven men. Would Jesus be with them until the end of time?This implies that the validity of their commission would extend beyond the lives of the apostles, if so, the church inherited this commission from the Apostles, and it is the church’s responsibility to obey Christ’s command. commandment until I return.
It is important to note that Christ’s commission to go and make disciples is given to the church as a whole, not just Christians in particular. It is common to see the Great Commission as an order for every individual Christian to become involved in evangelization. And some missions have advocates that, unless you have a specific call to remain in your homeland, you must become an intercultural missionary in obedience to the Great Commission. christ’s order in the context of the New Testament’s teaching on the body of Christ.
- The Apostle Paul wrote: “Just as we have several members in one body.
- But not all members have the same role.
- So do we.
- Though there are many of us.
- Are a body in Christ and members of one another.
- But having gifts according to the grace given to us?(Romans 12: 4-6) If every Christian has a role to play in the Great Commission.
- Not all of us have the same role.
Certainly, there are some who have the role of missionaries, evangelists, pastors, or Bible teachers, and some will go to the other side of the planet to fulfill these roles. There is a great need in today’s world of intercultural missionaries and the missionary. The countryside is a fantastic place to serve Christ, but it is not for everyone.
When Jesus said, “Go,” He did not order all his disciples to go abroad. Just before his ascension, Jesus was very precise about the geographical points where He expected his disciples to be. He said, “And will you be my witnesses in Jerusalem and throughout Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth?”(Acts 1. 8). Jesus and his disciples were in Jerusalem when He said these words, did Jesus want them to begin to bear witness to their lives, their deaths, and their resurrection where they were?Jerusalem.
But they shouldn’t stay there. Some of them went to other parts of Judea, sharing the gospel with other Jews, but others would cross cultural and religious boundaries, making disciples in Samaria, and beyond that, some of Jesus’ disciples would go to the ends of the earth, making disciples in places completely different from their homeland.
Jesus was sure that some of his disciples would go to the most remote places on earth, but he did not imagine that all his disciples would go down by boat to a remote part of the world. The New Testament places much more emphasis on fidelity to the situation. where we find ourselves on a physical journey. As the Apostle Paul writes: “Try to live quietly, mind your own affairs, and work with your own hands, as we have already told you, so that you can walk honestly with those who are outside and need nothing. ?(1 Thessaloniki 4. 11-12, ARC).
Although not everyone travels the world to share the gospel or teach and baptize in our local church, doesn’t that mean we can’t participate in it?Ide? From the Great Commission. Like the original disciples who went to Jerusalem, we seek to live faithfully where we are, always ready to answer to whoever asks you the reason for the hope in you (1 Peter 3:15). And, despite our living conditions, there is always a way to do our part by making disciples of all nations.
For those who are just getting started, we can learn more about evangelism and missions. Read a missionary biography, such as the story of Adoniram Judson or John Paton. Find out which missionaries your church supports. Subscribe to your mailing list, read prayer requests in your letters, and pray for them. Support missionaries financially.
Remember also that in our globalized world people travel like never before and nations come to us. Go out for lunch with a foreign student or welcome the family of immigrants who have moved to your street. Keep an eye on those in your church, who may be good candidates for missionaries, encourage them, and support them in that direction.
Although not all Christians must be physical, we are all part of the body of Christ and have a role to play. How are you today?