The Encourager
“The Christian's Commission”
The Christian’s Commission
by Jeff Curtis
On occasion, Jesus would compare Himself to a bridegroom (Matt. 9:15; 25:1; John 3:29). If we look at ourselves as His attendants, what task have we been commissioned to perform as we await His arrival? In the parable of the virgins in Matthew 25, we can get some idea of our task and fulfill it with love, obedience and faithfulness.
Jesus’ commission to Christians is one of priority. Nothing can equal or transcend it. As He poured out His life and blood into creation of the gospel, we are able to give ourselves to the spreading of it. Jesus engaged in benevolence, but this was not the main purpose of His mission. He came “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).
Jesus’ commission to Christians is one of practicality. His Word outlines how He wants us to fulfill the Great Commission. We are to (1) evangelize “all the nations” (Matt. 28:19), (2) edify new converts by “teaching them to observe all that [Jesus] commanded” (Matt. 28:20), and (3) equip leaders for every congregation of the Lord’s people. Acts says nothing about the church buildings or paid local preachers, but it does talk about the appointing of elders in every church (Acts 14:23), cultivating “Timothys” (Acts 13:1-3).
Jesus’ commission to Christians is one of perfection. No one can improve upon it. Jesus’ plan was perfect for His church when He gave it, and it will be perfect for His followers throughout the Christian age. Jesus’ Great Commission contains everything needed by any minister of the gospel, at least in seed form. We need to take up the mission that Jesus started and passed on to us. If we implement His plan, He will give the increase to our words and actions.
Jesus’ commission to Christians is one of perpetuity. His plan is in place for all remaining earthly time. Jesus said, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). Until He returns, let us continue His work of spreading the gospel, nurturing converts, and equipping the faithful followers to join in the gospel work in this world.
