The Great Commission: Spreading the Gospel in the Digital Age
The Great Commission, spoken by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew, is the cornerstone of the Christian faith.
This divine mandate commands believers to go forth and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. While these words were first uttered over two millennia ago, their relevance continues to shine brightly in the digital world of today.
In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus declares, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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 things I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” These words transcend time, motivating Christians to fulfill their duty to share the Good News, both in person and across the vast expanse of the internet.
The digital age has ushered in a new frontier for evangelism, allowing believers to reach corners of the world previously inaccessible. Social media, websites, podcasts and online communities provide platforms to communicate the message of Christ to people who may have never heard it otherwise. Just as Jesus told His disciples to be fishers of men, Christians today are called to be digital fishers, casting the net of God’s love across the virtual sea.
The power of the Great Commission is amplified in the digital realm. Consider Romans 10:14: “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Today, preachers can transcend physical limitations, becoming online witnesses who traverse geographical and cultural boundaries with a single click.
One might wonder: how can we embody the spirit of the Great Commission in the digital world? The answer lies in creative and purposeful engagement. Just as Jesus used parables to convey complex truths, Christians can leverage storytelling, multimedia and relatable content to share the gospel. Online Bible studies, virtual prayer groups and faith-based podcasts can nurture spiritual growth and foster a sense of community, echoing the commission to teach all that Christ commanded.
Yet, even as we embrace digital tools, we must remember the core of the Great Commission: relationship. The command is not just about broadcasting the message, but about forming disciples. In a world saturated with information, genuine connections are precious. As Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” In the digital realm, friendships formed around faith can sharpen and refine each believer’s walk with Christ.
The Great Commission remains steadfast in its relevance and urgency in today’s world. The digital age offers unparalleled opportunities to fulfill this divine mandate, allowing believers to share the gospel with a global audience.
While Christians navigate the virtual landscape, let us remain rooted in the principles of relationship, teaching and community, following Jesus’ example. With faith as our guide and the power of the internet as our tool, we embark on a journey to make disciples of all nations, both physically and digitally. Just as the apostles obeyed Jesus’ words, let us embrace the call to share His love with a world that hungers for truth, grace and redemption. {eoa}
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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
