Great Commission

Definition

The Great Commission refers to the instruction given by Jesus to his disciples to spread his teachings and make disciples of all nations. This directive is foundational to Christian missionary movements, emphasizing the importance of evangelism and the global sharing of the Christian faith. Its impact has led to a variety of global missionary efforts aimed at reaching diverse cultures and communities around the world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Commission is primarily found in the Gospel of Matthew 28:16-20, where Jesus instructs his followers to baptize and teach all nations.
2. This command has been a driving force behind many historical and contemporary missionary movements that seek to spread Christianity globally.
3. The Great Commission emphasizes not just conversion, but also ongoing education and integration into the Christian community through discipleship.
4. Many denominations and churches interpret the Great Commission as a call to engage in social justice and humanitarian efforts alongside evangelism.
5. The concept has led to various translation efforts for biblical texts, enabling people from different linguistic backgrounds to access Christian teachings.

Review Questions

• How does the Great Commission influence modern missionary movements?
  • The Great Commission directly influences modern missionary movements by providing a scriptural mandate for evangelism. It encourages missionaries to not only focus on converting individuals but also on teaching and integrating them into the Christian faith. This comprehensive approach has led to diverse strategies in missions that include cultural sensitivity, community development, and social justice initiatives, making the mission more holistic.
• Discuss the implications of the Great Commission for cross-cultural engagement in missionary work.
  • The Great Commission implies that cross-cultural engagement is essential for effective missionary work. It challenges missionaries to understand and respect different cultures while sharing their faith. This requires learning local languages, customs, and social structures, which can lead to more meaningful interactions and conversions. Successful cross-cultural missionaries often adapt their methods to resonate with local traditions and values, ensuring that their message is both relevant and respectful.
• Evaluate how interpretations of the Great Commission have evolved over time and their impact on global Christianity.
  • Interpretations of the Great Commission have evolved significantly from its early emphasis on conversion alone to a more integrated approach that includes social responsibility, community development, and interfaith dialogue. This evolution reflects broader societal changes and challenges faced by global Christianity. Today, many Christians view fulfilling the Great Commission as involving active participation in addressing poverty, injustice, and health crises, leading to a more holistic understanding of faith that seeks not only to convert but also to uplift communities worldwide.

Related terms

Evangelism: The act of preaching or spreading the message of Christianity to convert individuals to the faith.

Missionary: A person sent on a religious mission, particularly one sent to promote Christianity in foreign countries.

Discipleship: The process of teaching and training individuals in the principles of Christianity, often emphasized in the context of following Jesus' teachings.