A Closer Look at the Great Commission

Matthew 28:16-20 (HCSB)
¹⁶ The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them.
¹⁷ When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted.
¹⁸ Then Jesus came near and said to them, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
¹⁹ 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,
²⁰ teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

As we think about what in the world we as a church are doing to change the world it will do us well to actually examine the great commission. Jesus gives specific clear instruction to His disciples about what activities they should undertake in building His church. A brief but thorough examination of His command will help guide us as we prioritize our efforts in "Doing" church.

First Jesus reminds the disciples of the obvious. He has all the authority He needs not only to command their performance but to empower them to carry it out. Anyone can issue a command but only the person who has the authority to issue the command can gather support for those who are obeying and carrying out the command. After God raised Him from the dead and Jesus resumed His rightful place in heaven there should be no doubting His authority.

Then in a masterful sentence, Jesus tells His disciples to MAKE DISCIPLES. A simple examination of the verbs in this command will bear out this interpretation. In the original language the verb "go" is not capable of carrying the action of the command. Baptizing and Teaching are both participles and play a supportive role in clauses. In this particular instance the participles give direction as to how to carry out the command. The other verb "to observe" is inside of a clause and is the subject of the participle teaching. To observe is the subject of the apostolic teaching.

This leaves only one verb that can carry out the sentence. Make Disciples. In English there is no noun to perform the role of Subject in this sentence. We call this an understood subject. This is common device in many commands and declarative statements. We say things like, Sit down, stand up, tell me or go away all the time without identifying the subject we want to carry out the action. The person or people we are looking at understand who we are talking to. In Greek it is a little easier to identify the subject. Each verb has an ending attached to it that identifies which noun in the sentence is the subject. If no noun is identified, the verb ending carries out that role. This is the case in this command. Make disciples has a second person plural ending. You (all) make disciples. The only you all in this conversation and therefore the subject of the command would be the disciples. This also identifies the verb as the Object of the sentence.

Blessings,

Pastor Eric