The Great Commission

Primary Education www.GodsAcres.org Church of God Sunday School

Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:14-20; Luke 24:45-53; Acts 1:1-11

It had been forty Jesus told His disciples to be "witnesses" (tell days since Jesus rose others all that they had seen and heard). He said that from the grave. Jesus they were to "preach the gospel" (the good news of spent many of those salvation) and to baptize people who believed in Jesus. days talking with His disciples, teaching them about They were to begin this commission in Jerusalem (the the Kingdom of God. He had many things to tell them, nation's capital), then in all Judea (the southern king- and His time on earth was almost over. dom), next in Samaria (the northern kingdom), and Soon Jesus would return to Heaven where God lastly in "the uttermost part of the earth" (the rest of the lives. He would not walk with His disciples and teach world). the multitudes as He did before. He had prepared His Jesus said that signs would follow His disciples to disciples for this! They had heard Jesus' teachings, and let people know that Jesus was leading them. Some of they had seen the great miracles He had done. Now, the signs were that they could cast out devils, they they were to carry on this great work started by Jesus. would speak in languages that they had never learned, Jesus met with His eleven disciples one last time in and they would lay hands on the sick and they would Galilee. He told them to not leave Jerusalem but to wait get well. for "the promise of the Father" (the Holy Spirit). Jesus After Jesus was finished speaking, He began to rise had to go away first, and then God would send the up into the clouds. A cloud received Him, and He was Holy Spirit to live in the hearts of saved men and taken up into Heaven to sit on the right hand of God. women (John 16:7). Jesus could not stay with them The disciples could not quit staring up into the sky forever, but His Spirit would (John 14:16). where Jesus had disappeared. Suddenly, two men in The disciples would need God's Holy Spirit, for white clothing (angels) stood by the disciples and there was a great work for them to do. They could not asked why they were standing, looking "up into do it in their own strength. They needed God's power heaven?" They said that "this same Jesus . . . shall so working through them, giving them the strength needed come in like manner as ye have seen him go into for such a difficult task. heaven." What was this great work? When Jesus sent His So the disciples went back to Jerusalem to wait and twelve disciples out the first time, He gave them a pray as Jesus had commanded them. Once the Holy commission (authority and power for a Spirit was given, they began preach- task). Jesus told them to preach, "The ing the Gospel. Just as Jesus prom- kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Mat- ised, signs followed, confirming that thew 10:7). When Jesus sent them out, their preaching was of the Lord. "he gave them power against unclean This Great Commission was not spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all given to the disciples only. God manner of sickness and all manner of wants every saved man, woman, boy, disease" (Matthew 10:1). and girl to be "ambassadors for Once again Jesus was giving His Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20). When disciples a commission, but this time it Jesus was here on the earth, He was was different. The first time the disci- God's ambassador to mankind. He ples were only sent to the "lost sheep represented God and God's message. of the house of Israel" (Matthew 10:6), But since Jesus has returned to not to the Gentiles. Now Jesus was Heaven, God needs us to be His am- telling His disciples that they must "Go bassadors to people who have not ye into all the world." heard the Gospel message. It is up to

Copyright © 2013 Church of God, Inc. 1 The Great Commission Primary Education www.GodsAcres.org us to tell them. open to God. He will talk to you about where He wants How can you be an ambassador (or a missionary) you to witness for Him. Someday God may call you to for Christ? First, you must become a Christian by be a Sunday school teacher, a pastor, or even a asking Jesus to forgive your sins and come into your missionary to a foreign country. Are you willing to do heart to live. Then, you can be a good Christian exam- whatever He calls you to do? There are many people ple in your home, at your school, and in your neighbor- who yet do not know about Jesus. You might be the hood. Be obedient to your parents. Invite your friends only way they will hear the good news of salvation! to Sunday school and to church. Visit people who are sick. You can also support foreign missionaries by MEMORY VERSE: praying for them and saving your money and putting it "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to in the mission offerings. every creature." —Mark 16:15 But it is most important to keep your own heart Where Were the Disciples to Go?

". . . and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in ______, and in all ______, and in ______, and unto the uttermost part of the ______" (Acts 1:8).

Earth

Invite someone to Be a good Christian ______Be obedient to your ______

Give to mission ______

Share a ______verse Visit the ______

The Great Commission