Go, and not alone
These are the last words of Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel, spoken to a small, doubting group on a mountain in Galilee. The mission of the whole Church was handed to a handful of ordinary people.
Notice how the command is wrapped in a promise. Before “go” comes “all authority is Mine,” and after “go” comes “I am with you always.” We are sent, but never sent alone.
Jesus, You have all authority and You are with me. Give me a willing heart to go where You send me, and to share You with whoever is near today. Amen.
μαθητεύσατε (mathēteusate (mah-thay-TYOO-sah-teh)). The command “make disciples.” It is the only main verb in the sentence; going, baptizing and teaching all serve it. A disciple is a learner who follows.
This passage is often called the Great Commission. Matthew ends his Gospel here, on a mountain in Galilee, after the resurrection, with Jesus sending His followers beyond Israel to all nations.
The Second Vatican Council opened in Rome. Its 1965 decree on mission, Ad Gentes, declared that the Church is missionary by its very nature, a reminder that the Great Commission belongs to every believer.