Living the Great Commission in Everyday Life

Returning from a week in New Orleans, I was deeply encouraged by witnessing thousands of young people passionately worshiping Jesus together. It was a powerful reminder of the joy and energy that comes when the body of Christ gathers, and it reignited my excitement for the mission Jesus has given us. This mission, given on a nameless mountain in Galilee, is not just a command but a privilege: to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching in His name. Jesus begins this commission by declaring that all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Him, grounding our mission in His power and sovereignty. We are not sent out on our own, but by the King of kings, who gives us clarity, confidence, and courage.

The call to “go” is not limited to special trips or far-off places. The original language of Jesus’ command is best understood as “as you go”—in the ordinary rhythms of daily life. Whether at work, school, in our neighborhoods, or over coffee with a friend, we are called to make disciples. This is not a one-time event but a daily, ongoing way of living. We do this by welcoming others into God’s family and teaching them to live and love like Jesus, so that the world might see more of Him through us.

Jesus illustrates this mission with the parable of the sower, who scatters seed generously, not worrying about where it lands. Our role is to faithfully scatter the Word—sharing Jesus in conversations, actions, and love—without obsessing over the results. God is the one who brings growth, often in ways and places we least expect. Sometimes, the fruit of our faithfulness takes time to appear, and we may never see the results ourselves. But we trust that God is always at work beneath the surface.

We are not alone in this mission. Jesus promises to be with us always, even to the end of the age. He removes every excuse and fear, assuring us that His presence and authority go with us. Our task is to be faithful: to keep praying, keep sharing, keep loving, and keep sowing seeds of hope. In the end, it is God who brings the harvest, and we are invited to participate in His redeeming work, helping others find their place at His table.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Mission Flows from Christ’s Authority Jesus grounds our calling to make disciples in His absolute authority over heaven and earth. This means our confidence and courage do not come from our own abilities, but from the One who sends us. We are not inventing our own mission, but carrying out the will of the King, which gives us clarity and purpose in every step we take. [04:40]
• 2. Disciple-Making Happens in Everyday Life The command to “go” is best understood as “as you go”—in the ordinary, daily moments of life. Making disciples is not reserved for special events or trips, but is woven into our routines: at work, at school, in our neighborhoods, and with our friends. Every interaction is an opportunity to reflect Jesus and invite others into His story. [06:51]
• 3. Scatter the Word Generously, Not Selectively Like the sower in Jesus’ parable, we are called to scatter the Word of God generously, not waiting for perfect conditions or the “right” people. Our role is not to manage outcomes, but to faithfully share Jesus in word and deed wherever we are. God alone brings growth, often in unexpected places and through unlikely people. [08:55]
• 4. Faithfulness Over Results—Trusting God’s Timing The fruit of our efforts may not be immediately visible, and sometimes we may never see it at all. God often works slowly and deeply before anything becomes visible on the surface. Our responsibility is to remain faithful—praying, sharing, loving, and trusting that God is at work, even when we cannot see it. [17:12]
• 5. Christ’s Presence Removes Every Excuse and Fear Jesus promises to be with us always, providing strength, guidance, and comfort as we live out His mission. Even when we face rejection, discomfort, or fear, we are never alone. His presence and authority go with us, empowering us to be bold and faithful in scattering the seeds of the gospel.
  
  ** [14:52]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:00] - New Orleans Experience & Joy of Christian Community
• [01:55] - What Excites Us and the Challenge of Sharing Jesus
• [03:00] - The Great Commission: Our Mission from Jesus
• [04:40] - Christ’s Authority as the Foundation
• [05:30] - The Football Analogy: Clarity and Confidence in Mission
• [06:51] - “As You Go”: Everyday Disciple-Making
• [07:34] - Baptizing, Teaching, and Living Like Jesus
• [08:55] - The Parable of the Sower: Scattering the Word
• [10:43] - Reflection: Where Has God Placed You to Sow?
• [12:28] - Enrique’s Example: Faithfulness in Action
• [14:52] - Christ’s Presence in Our Mission
• [17:12] - Trusting God with the Growth
• [18:43] - Perseverance in Prayer and Sowing
• [19:45] - Belonging at the Table and Living the Mission

Bible Reading

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) — > And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Luke 8:4-15 (ESV) – Parable of the Sower — (You may want to read the whole parable, but especially verses 5-8 and Jesus’ explanation in 11-15)

Observation Questions

1. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what are the specific actions Jesus commands his followers to do as part of the Great Commission?
2. In the parable of the sower (Luke 8:4-15), what are the different types of soil, and what happens to the seed in each case?
3. The sermon described the original language of “go” as “as you go.” What does this suggest about when and where disciple-making happens? [06:51]
4. What promise does Jesus give at the end of the Great Commission, and why is it important for the mission? [14:52]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus begin the Great Commission by declaring that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him? How does this affect the way we approach his mission? [04:40]
2. In the parable of the sower, why do you think Jesus describes the sower as scattering seed everywhere, rather than only on “good” soil? What does this teach us about sharing our faith? [08:55]
3. The sermon emphasized that making disciples is not a “one and done” event but a daily way of living. What might this look like in the ordinary routines of life? [06:51]
4. Jesus promises to be with us “always, to the end of the age.” How might this promise help someone who feels afraid or inadequate to share their faith? [14:52]

Application Questions

1. The sermon shared the story of Enrique, who looked for opportunities to share Jesus’ love in everyday moments. Think about your past week: was there a moment when you could have shown Jesus’ love to someone but didn’t? What held you back? [12:28]
2. Jesus calls us to “scatter the Word generously, not selectively.” Is there a person or group in your life you tend to avoid sharing your faith with? What would it look like to be more generous in sowing seeds there? [08:55]
3. The message said, “as you go”—at work, school, in your neighborhood, or over coffee—you are called to make disciples. What is one ordinary place or routine in your life where you could be more intentional about reflecting Jesus? [06:51]
4. Sometimes, we may never see the results of our faithfulness. How do you handle discouragement when you don’t see immediate fruit from your efforts to share Jesus? What helps you keep going? [17:12]
5. Jesus’ authority and presence “remove every excuse and fear.” What is one specific fear or excuse that keeps you from sharing your faith? How can you remind yourself of Jesus’ promise this week? [14:52]
6. The sermon encouraged us to keep praying, sharing, loving, and sowing seeds of hope. Who is one person you can commit to pray for and intentionally invest in this month? [18:43]
7. The Great Commission is described as both a command and a privilege. How does viewing it as a privilege change your attitude or motivation toward making disciples? [04:40]