Hudson Taylor, missionary to China in the 1800’s, may have been the one to popularize the term Great Commission for Jesus’ last command to his followers on earth.

Matthew 28:18-20 HCSB – “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always,to the end of the age.”

What’s so great about it? For starters:

• Jesus said it. This is a directive straight from the master himself. And it’s the last words he left with his followers. It’s clearly what he wanted the cause of our lives to be as his people.
• It’s repeated in all four gospels. The four gospels vary on a lot of details about the life of Jesus. And few things are mentioned in all four. The Great Commission is one of them, telling us that this statement left an indelible mark on his followers & served as a highlight of Jesus’ teaching
• If we do it, people are changed for eternity. Obedience to the great commission means communicating the gospel which will result in people being included in eternal life in Heaven forever. Neglect means the opposite.
• Jesus did it & so did his first followers. If we want to follow the example of Christ & the early church, we’ll busy ourselves with going, making disciples, baptizing, & teaching.
• If you’re a Christian today, it’s because someone else took it seriously.

But the real question is: Do I live like this commission is GREAT? Do I take it seriously? Does my church take it seriously? Unfortunately, many of us as Christians LIVE like the Great Commission is NO BIG DEAL.

How can we make Jesus’ commission GREAT?

• Get serious about how to be & make disciples. Check out Robby Gallaty’s book Growing Up: How to Be a Disciple Who Makes Disciples. 
• Give to & pray for those who are making disciples.
• Take responsibility for your home, neighborhood, & work place.
• Use your gifts to serve through a local church that is purposing to make disciples. 
• Pray for those around you & look for opportunities to start conversations about the gospel.