3 P'S OF THE GREAT COMMISSION!
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 nation, 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."
(Matthew 28:18-20)
In this passage known as the "Great Commission" Jesus met the Disciples on a pre-appointed mountain in order to give them information and instruction before He ascended into Heaven. His instructions can be summed up into 3 words: POWER, PURPOSE, AND PRESENCE. In this text, the Greek word used for "POWER" is Exousia. It not only refers to the force in which Jesus was given to act, but the official right to act as well.
Jesus informed the Disciples of their "PURPOSE." In order to carry out their purpose, they had to "GO" He was introducing the method to be used. The Greek word used there was Metheteusate, which means to make Disciples. In order to make Disciples, some "going" or evangelizing needed to take place. Jesus would empower them to carry out the purpose He was giving them.
Finally, Jesus assures the Disciples of His continued "PRESENCE." Jesus told the Disciples that he would always be present with them in every situation. We are assured of His presence as well. We can boldly (with power) carry out the purpose of evangelizing because we know that Jesus will be with us every step of the way. The Gospel is the greatest story ever told. And all of us have the power, purpose, and God's presence, to tell it. Hallelujah.
