Are You Obeying the Great Commission?

When is the last time you shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with another person? Tragically, studies have shown that only about two percent of modern church members evangelize (Bright, as cited in World Religions in a Nutshell, Comfort, 2008, p. 143). But the Bible is clear that true believers never neglect their responsibility to witness.

You are probably aware of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus clearly commands His followers to "go . . . 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 . . . " God commands you to actively spread the Gospel. You--not just your pastor, not just full-time missionaries--you have been entrusted with the "message of reconciliation" (2 Cor. 5:19). If you love your Savior, you will obey His command to reach the lost (I Jn. 2:3).

Take some time right now to think about what Christ has done for you. Consider how the Creator God became a humble human like yourself in the person of Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:6). Meditate on the reality of the sinless Savior bearing the wrath of God in your place (2 Cor. 5:21). Think about the hope you have now that Christ has conquered death and given you the gift of eternal life (I Jn. 5:13; Jn. 14:6). Read Matthew 27-28, Mark 15-16, Luke 23-24, or John 19-20 and meditate on their significance. When you understand the Gospel, the love of Christ compels you to reach the lost (2 Cor. 5:14-15).

Don't neglect God's command for you to witness. As a follower of Christ, you are responsible for evangelizing every soul that God places in your path. It's difficult. But the Great Commission comes with Jesus' promise that He is "with you always" (Matt. 28:20).

References:

Comfort, R. (2008). World Religions in a Nutshell. Bridge-Logos.

Scripture quotations are from The ESV© Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version©), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.