"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.' Amen." – Jesus, Matthew 28:18-20
The Lord Jesus Christ raised the green flag and gave us the signal to go and preach the gospel to all of creation (see also Mark 16:15-18). Many of us fail to see the joy involved in this great commission. Why? It's because many of us don't understand why Jesus commanded us.
Why It Was Told to Us
Let's set the backdrop for the scenario, so that it would be easier for all of us to understand.
At this point in time, Christ was already about to ascend into heaven. He already lived for more than 33 years on earth, with the last three years of His life dedicated to spreading the good news to the poor, liberating those who were bound in captivity, and healing the sick.
During those last three years, He discipled people, fed the hungry, cast out demons, preached with authority, healed the sick, loved the unlovable, forgave the socially condemned, had meals with sinners, and rebuked religious leaders. He also raised the dead.
He already lived as an obedient young boy who grew up as a carpenter following His earthly father's footsteps; already took care of His earthly mother until death; already assured His friends that He will always love them; and has already shown the Father's true character and heart for all men by dying on the cross for our sakes. There, on that cross, He said, "It is finished."
When Christ gave the great commission to all who followed Him, He was already done with His earthly ministry. He has fulfilled all the Father's will for Him. He has shown us how we must live. He has been revealed as the Christ, the Messiah, the Saviour who was destined to live, die, and rise again. Now, He must go to the Father.
It's Our Time
Friend, Christ has already accomplished all that He came for here on earth. He has already died on the cross. He has already shed His blood for the forgiveness of sins. He has already broken the power of sin and disarmed Satan against His redeemed. He has already ascended into heaven and has asked the Father to send the Holy Spirit, who now dwells in all of us who believe Him.
What does this mean? Simple: It's our time to do what He has commanded us to do.
Christ already made the way for salvation: We just bring people in through the gospel. Christ already tore the veil: We simply bring God's presence and word wherever we are. Christ already sent us the Holy Spirit: We only need to obey Him.
God gave us the go signal to preach the gospel because it's our responsibility to do so.
