The Great Commission
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class began by reading Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28, where He declared all authority in heaven and on earth and commanded the disciples to go and make disciples of every nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and promising His continual presence. Tina emphasized that this charge is not limited to the original apostles; it applies to all believers today, urging us to share the gospel with friends, family, and all peoples. The lesson then moved to the Ascension narrative in Acts 1. The class visualized the disciples watching Jesus lift into the clouds, hearing the angels tell them that He would return in the same manner. After the Ascension, the disciples returned to Jerusalem, prayed in unity, and chose Matthias to replace Judas by casting lots, demonstrating obedience to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Throughout, Tina connected these early church events to our present call to be witnesses, reminding the group that Scripture—both the written Word and the living Spirit—empowers us to fulfill the Great Commission. The session concluded with encouragement to articulate simple gospel messages, reflect on personal faith, and commit to living out the Great Commission in everyday life.
Key Scriptures
Go forth and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And lo, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
While they were looking on, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they were gazing skyward, behold, two men stood by them in white garments; and they said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.'