The Great Commission

The Great Commission Overview

• The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:16-20, where Jesus commands his disciples to make disciples of all nations.
• It emphasizes Jesus' authority in heaven and earth, the importance of baptizing, and teaching obedience to His commands.
• This passage has historically been interpreted as a specific commission to the apostles, with limited applicability to later Christians.

Historical Interpretation

• Missiologist David Bosch highlights that early interpretations saw the commission as binding only on the first apostles.
• Reformers like Luther and Calvin argued that the office of apostle ended with the first generation, reinforcing a limited view.
• In 1664, Justinian von Welz called for a worldwide missionary effort based on this text, but his ideas were dismissed as interference with divine plans.

William Carey's Influence

• William Carey’s 1792 work, "An Enquiry into the Obligations of Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathens," challenged previous interpretations.
• Carey's arguments sparked the Protestant missionary movement, leading to a broader understanding of the Great Commission as a directive for all Christians.
• The Great Commission became foundational for various Christian missionary societies worldwide.

Concept of Obedience and Authority

• Some scholars advocate viewing the Great Commission through the lens of Christ’s authority and His promised presence rather than mere obligation.
• Bosch suggests that mission work should be seen as a gift and a response to experiencing Christ, not simply as a command to obey.
• This aligns with Acts 1:8, which presents the promise of power from the Holy Spirit for witnessing.

Jesus’ Model of Evangelism

• The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well serves as a model for evangelism.
• This story illustrates Jesus' approach of engaging with marginalized individuals, crossing cultural boundaries, and addressing spiritual needs.

Key Aspects of the Encounter

• Jesus engaged the Samaritan woman purposefully, breaking social norms by addressing a solitary woman of a despised group.
• His approach was deeply contextual, as He met her at her point of need and acknowledged her complex life circumstances.
• Jesus balanced addressing cultural issues with revealing His identity as the Messiah.

The Woman's Transformation and Community Response

• The Samaritan woman’s transformation led her to joyfully share her encounter with Jesus, indicating evangelism stemming from personal transformation.
• Her community, intrigued by her testimony, sought Jesus out and collectively recognized Him as the Savior of the world.
• This interaction highlights the importance of personal experience with Christ as a catalyst for evangelism.

Duty vs. Love in Evangelism

• The text acknowledges a command in the Great Commission but emphasizes that duty should not be the primary motive for evangelism.
• True motivation comes from a genuine love for Christ that inspires sharing the Gospel joyfully rather than out of obligation.
• Comparisons are drawn to personal relationships, arguing that love is a superior motivator for faithfulness over mere duty.

God's Role in Evangelism

• The Great Commission emphasizes God's initiative in drawing people to Himself and equipping believers for transformative witness.
• The church’s role is as ambassadors for Christ, reinforcing that God is the primary evangelist.

Importance of Spiritual Life for the Church

• The text calls for the church in the West to deepen its grounding in Scripture, prayer, and worship to attract curiosity and engagement from surrounding communities.
• A revitalized church, focused on experiencing Christ, can lead to renewed interest and belief in Jesus among non-believers.