Jesus Tells His Disciples What to Do

Matthew 28: 16 - 20

Mark 16: 14 - 18

Luke 24: 36 - 39

John 20: 19 - 23

Acts 1: 6 - 8

This instruction from Jesus to his disciples apparently took place just before his ascension into heaven.

Many Christians call this passage the Great Commission, believing that when Jesus spoke to his disciples, he spoke to all his followers, even to those who hadn't been born yet.

Commission in this sense means a task or responsibility. Jesus is telling his followers that it is not enough to believe in him and worship God, but that they must be so filled with the good news of his gift of life that they can't help but share the good news with everyone.

There are only eleven disciples present at this last meeting because Judas has left the group and killed himself, and the disciples have not yet replaced him. This meeting with the disciples took place at the end of the forty days after Jesus' resurrection at Easter.

Matthew places this meeting in Galilee, in northern Palestine, back where Jesus' ministry began.

1. Who does Jesus want us to go to, telling the good news?

[Jesus wants us to go to everyone in every nation, country, or group.]

2. What two things does Jesus ask us to do?

[He asks us to baptize and to teach.]

3. What is Jesus' last promise to us?

[Jesus promises that he will be with us always, even unto the end of the world.]