Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:18-20)

When I was in college, I felt that God was calling me to serve Him overseas with a mission organization called NICS. I spent about 20 years teaching about Jesus and discipling others daily in Singapore and South Korea. It was an awesome experience and while I was there away from home, family, and the familiar, I felt like I was doing all of the things that God was commanding us to do in Matthew 28.

However, six years ago, God called me back home to the United States. When I came back, I felt unsure about my purpose. I returned to a more normal American life and wondered what my part should be now in making disciples.  

 God kept nudging at my heart. I felt Him calling me to Go, and I responded, “Who, me?” I’m not working for a mission organization anymore.  What do you want me to do?  I was reminded that God told us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” He showed me that it was something He wanted me to do here as well.

Go into the all the world can also be understood as “as you are going…” That means that as we are going… 

To work

To school

To restaurants

To gyms

To neighborhood gatherings

We can be led by the Spirit, build relationships, and share the good news with people where we work, play, and live. We can start by taking an interest in those around us and caring for those in need. Then when the time is right, we can share with them what Jesus has done in our lives. We can invite them to church or answer the questions they have about God.

You may ask, “Who, me?” I’m not a missionary or Bible scholar. However, if you are a follower of Jesus, that authority has been passed down to you as well. Unless God clearly tells you otherwise, you are already where you are supposed to be. You are strategically positioned by Jesus to be part of his disciple-making work. 

What is one thing that you can do right now to be obedient to the Great Commission? You have been given both a sphere of influence and the authority to make a difference. Is there someone you could invite to church or your small group? Is there a friend you could invite out to coffee to build a relationship? Let the Spirit lead you, but Go!