Introduction
Your focus on Jesus’ final commands before His ascension reflects a deep desire to align with His authentic teachings and supernatural power, particularly regarding the Holy Spirit’s role in empowering believers. This question cuts through denominational traditions to get to the heart of what Jesus actually instructed His followers to do.
Scriptural Insight
In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gave what we call the Great Commission, commanding His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” This comprehensive mandate sets the foundation for all Christian ministry.
However, Jesus also gave a crucial prerequisite in Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:4-8: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised… you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses.” The disciples were to wait specifically for the Holy Spirit’s empowerment before beginning their mission.
Practical Wisdom
To follow Jesus’ final instructions, we must first ensure we’ve received the Holy Spirit’s empowerment He promised. This involves earnest prayer and waiting on God, just as the disciples did in the upper room. The evidence of this empowerment will be supernatural boldness to witness (Acts 4:31) and spiritual gifts operating through us (1 Corinthians 12:7).
The command to make disciples involves more than just evangelism – it requires teaching others to obey everything Jesus commanded, including healing the sick, casting out demons, and demonstrating God’s Kingdom power (Matthew 10:7-8). This spiritual authority comes only through intimacy with Jesus and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
Clearing up Misunderstandings
Some modern churches have downplayed the supernatural aspects of Jesus’ commission, but His instructions clearly include both natural and supernatural ministry. The same power that worked through the early church is available to all believers today who will wait on the Holy Spirit’s empowerment.
- Many believers try to serve without first receiving the Holy Spirit’s power
- Some think the Great Commission is optional or only for full-time ministers
- Others overlook Jesus’ emphasis on making disciples, focusing only on conversions
- Many misunderstand the supernatural aspect of ministry Jesus commanded
Conclusion
Jesus’ final commands paint a clear picture of Spirit-empowered disciples carrying His supernatural ministry to all nations. As we align ourselves with His instructions, waiting for and moving in the Holy Spirit’s power, we’ll see the same miraculous results the early church experienced. The key is maintaining our dependence on the Holy Spirit while actively making disciples who fully embrace and practice everything Jesus commanded.
