Authority For The Great Commission From The Author Of The Great

The Great Commission is a beautiful aspect of the Christian life with a beauty that disciples sometimes overlook. So routine are the calls to evangelism and discipleship that Christians can sometimes fail to capture the extraordinary nature of this assignment. Many of us look upon the Great Commission as a burden instead of a blessing, failing to see that it is not merely a task but an event. By this event, our Lord engages people in the Spirit's work of transforming lives. Sometimes, though, we need a slight shift in our perspective, beginning with a reminder of the authority and authorship of the Great Commission.

A lack of participation in Christ's commission suggests a lack of appreciation for Christ's authority. Most of us readily read the passage of Matthew 28:18-20, noting that Christ begins by denoting his own authority. At the beginning of his letter to the Colossians, Paul composes one of the greatest exaltations of Christ that we as believers will ever read. He begins first by placing Christ as Lord over creation (Colossians 1:15) which is then followed by placing Christ in a position of headship over the church (Colossians 1:18).

The authority of Christ necessitates the obedience of the Christian. This principle is not merely a matter of Christ's control or power but an indication of a disciple's reverence for Christ. Accepting our designated role in evangelism and discipleship is an acceptance of Christ's authority to appoint us to that role.

Behavior indicates belief. What we believe about Jesus Christ and His lordship is revealed by how we respond to his authority. If Christ has authorized the Great Commission, then our only response is one of accepting our appointment to it. Let each one of us ask ourselves, "What does our participation indicate about our conviction?”