Under the New Covenant of Grace, this verse takes on profound meaning; not as a burdensome command rooted in legalism, but as a grace-empowered commission flowing from the finished work of Jesus Christ.
The word “Go” is a response to the love and grace of God. We go because we have already been transformed by Christ’s love. Under grace, our mission about sharing the good news that grace has already been poured out freely through Jesus.
To “make disciples” under the New Covenant means inviting people into a life-giving relationship with Jesus, not imposing a religious system on them. Discipleship is not behavioral modification, but heart transformation through the indwelling Christ: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…” (Galatians 2:20)
The mission of the Church under the New Covenant is rooted in the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. It is both a continuation and fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. Unlike the Old Covenant, which was centered around a national and ethnic Israel, the New Covenant expands God’s kingdom universally uniting all believers through the work of the Holy Spirit and calling them into a global, spiritual community: the Body of Christ.
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, he spent 40 days on earth ministering to people and preparing His disciples for life without Him. Jesus planned on leaving earth and ascending to Heaven, but before doing so, He gave His disciples a mission found in Matthew 28:19-20. We often call this mission The Great Commission.
The Great Commission begins with getting up and going to places where people need to hear about the good news of Jesus. This doesn’t mean you have to leave your country—there are people in your own neighborhood and workplace that need to hear the hope of Jesus.
The ultimate goal of the Great Commission is to make followers of Jesus. So as we go about sharing the good news of Jesus with people, we’re to show people how Jesus has changed our lives and invite them to discover Jesus for themselves.
Jesus also instructs us to baptize new believers. Baptism is a symbol of someone’s incorporation into the family of God. It is their public display of their new faith in Jesus. Baptism is such an important part of the Christian life that Jesus made sure to include it in our mission.
It can be easy to think that making disciples and baptizing believers is the responsibility of our church pastors and ministry leaders. While those things certainly are part of every church’s mission, Jesus intended for every believer to be making disciples.
So, take a moment to think about someone in your own life who helped you grow spiritually. Ask God to bring to mind someone you can help and disciple. Then, allow God to give you the courage to share the hope of Jesus with those around you.
Under the New Covenant of Grace, Matthew 28:19 is not a legalistic mandate. t’s a grace-filled mission birthed from Christ’s finished work and sustained by His living presence.
“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:20b)
