Depth, Diversity, and Divine Promise of the Great CommissionSample

The Great Commission is a central theme of God's heart for all the nations from Genesis to Revelation. Yet, Jesus gives specific significance by allowing the gospel writers to record five instances of the Great Commission.

Today, we will look at the fifth of these five passages chronologically and pull out the emphasis.

The fifth passage chronologically is Acts 1:8.

Look at the context.

• Where did Jesus speak this passage?
  • Mount of Olives (v12)
• When did it happen?
  • Moments before the ascension (v9)
• Who originally heard it?
  • Eleven disciples (maybe more) (v13)
• What was the mandate?
  • You will receive power (v8)
• What was the emphasis?
  • The Means

We can not do this in our power. Any attempt to fulfill the Great Commission without the power of God through His Spirit is more about the individual and their pride and self-glorification than the glory of God to all nations. Walking out the Great Commission is about walking boldly in the Spirit, carrying the gospel's message to the whole world, and making disciples as Jesus modeled.

Pause and pray that the Holy Spirit will give you the power to pursue making disciples of all nations in the pattern that Jesus modeled for us.

To see the complete picture of the depth and diversity of the Great Commission. In the next lesson, you'll discover the divine promise.