GlocalNet

Recently, I was doing some study on the Great Commission - when you say that a lot of people think you are talking about Matthew 28:18-20 but in reality it is also at the end of Mark, Luke, John, & the beginning of Acts.  It’s at the end of the Gospels because this is what Jesus expects us to do.  It’s at the beginning of Acts because Acts will be telling the story of what that looks like.  Each one has a different emphasis - Matthew is writing more for Jews and Luke more for Greeks, etc.,  Its like explaining Texas history to an Anglo Texan, a Tejas Indian, or a Mexican - the events happened but each time they are interpreted differently.  The same is true for the Great Commission.  But there are 3 constants that are in each. 

Some people take the Great Commission back to Genesis 1 where we are told to be fruitful and multiply - some to Genesis 12 & 18 where God makes promises to Abraham that through him all nations will be blessed.  You see it in Psalms 2:8 and some passages in Isaiah, Jeremiah, & Ezekiel - along with lots of other spots that speak of God’s “Immanuel” and glory filling the earth. 

The three things in the first 5 books of the New Testament that are all in common about sharing the Good News of Jesus are these - either explicitly stated or implied.

First - the coming of the Holy Spirit which is the power to fulfill the Great Commission.  It is present in all passages from baptizing in the name of the “Father, Son & Holy Spirit” to being “clothed with power from on high” to “signs and wonders” that go as the Gospel is spread.  The lesson for us is clear - no Holy Spirit - no Great Commission fulfilled.  Jesus makes all that clear in his guidance in John 14-16.

The second thing is “Go” - but it’s really translated “as you are going”, in other words the Great Commission should be a daily experience not simply a geographical experience.  Recently a Palestinian pastor spoke at our church and he said “I’ve come to the ends of the earth today to spread the Gospel!”  Everyone laughed but it’s true, it is his “ends of the earth.”  Spreading the good news of Jesus, loving others, building bridges, serving humanity in the name of Jesus must be a daily and lifestyle occurrence.

Third, “nations” is in all passages - one is ends of the earth. God cares for all peoples.  Christianity must always be cross cultural and multi-cultural - the only culture we share is Kingdom culture that lays over all cultures.  When that happens the Gospel will be the same, but expressed differently - and that gets exciting. 

Today, we need to walk in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, so as we GO we recognize divine opportunities and moments to share - and if we do that, it won’t be contained it will touch all nations!