The Bookends of the Great Commission

As we engage in missional enterprise, Jesus’ Great Commission to his disciples at the end of the gospel of Matthew guides and empowers our disciple-making work:

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations … Matthew 28:19 (ESV)

Jesus’ command, however, does not begin with those words. Jesus begins his commission with a powerful declaration of his authority and ends it with an enduring promise of his presence—these “bookends” shape how we live out the Great Commission within our missional enterprises.

Jesus’ Authority: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (v. 18)

Jesus’ words about his authority echo the prophetic vision of Daniel, who saw “one like a son of man” receiving everlasting dominion from the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:13–14). That dominion—global, eternal, unstoppable—is now fully realized in Jesus Christ.

This reality makes all the difference in the world. In the context of missional enterprise, the assurance of Jesus’ total authority means that we are never sending ourselves, and we are not going in our own authority–we are sent by the King whose reign extends over every cultural, social, and geographic boundary. As British Pastor and theologian John Stott said,

The fundamental basis of all Christian missionary enterprise is the universal authority of Jesus Christ, “in heaven and on earth.” … Only because all authority on earth belongs to Christ dare we go to all nations. And only because all authority in heaven as well is His have we any hope of success.

Jesus’ Presence: “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (v. 20b)

After his commissioning command, Jesus gives his disciples a promise of his enduring presence. Though he “sends” us out, he does not remain behind at base camp–he accompanies us, walking with us through each challenge, and celebrating with us each success.

Jesus’ promise of his presence echoes many critical moments in the scriptures where words of commissioning are paired with promises of presence:

• To Jacob: “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go … ” Genesis 28:13-15 (ESV)
• To Israel: “… for it is the Lord your God who goes with you …” Deuteronomy 31:5-6 (ESV)
• To Joshua: “ … for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
• To Solomon: “… for the Lord God, even my God, is with you …” 1 Chronicles 28:20 (ESV)

The Great Commission is framed by Jesus’ absolute authority and His abiding presence. We do not go alone, and we do not go without power. The mission Jesus sends his disciples on is ultimately not ours but his.

As Christopher Wright observes: “It is not so much the case that God has a mission for his church in the world, as that God has a church for his mission in the world. Mission was not made for the church; the church was made for mission – God’s mission.”

Verse of the Week

“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18‑20 (ESV)

As we pursue the fulfillment of Christ’s Great Comission in missional enterprise, let us never lose sight of the great framing truths: that we go under Jesus’ authority, and we go sustained by His presence.