Jesus’ great commission to his apostles is well recorded and is not a very lengthy conversation. In Matthew 28, Jesus’ eleven disciples went to Galilee to a mountain to which Jesus directed them. Matthew records, “And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted” (vs. 17). The fact that some doubted is not surprising. This isn’t the first time they doubted. Thomas doubted. But so did others who didn’t believe Mary’s testimony that Jesus’ tomb was empty.
Jesus’ next words are the last words recorded in the gospel of Matthew: “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, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (vs. 18-20).
This is known as the great commission, but it really should be called the greatest commission! We literally have the last recorded words of Jesus before he ascended into heaven. This commission is still just as important as it was 2,000 years ago. May we always strive to carry out the great(est) commission!