A 5-Day Devotional: Your Role in the Great Commission
This devotional is inspired by a message on the urgent call to global mission. Over five days, we will move from understanding God’s heart for the nations to discovering your unique place in His mission.
Day 1: The Command to Make Disciples
Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20
“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.'”
Reflection:
Often, we call this the “Great Commission,” but it’s more accurately a command. The central verb is “make disciples.” This isn’t a suggestion for a select few missionaries; it is the core calling of every follower of Jesus. We make disciples by going (stepping out in faith), baptizing (leading people to commitment), and teaching (nurturing spiritual growth). Today, reflect on the authority behind this command. The same Jesus who holds all authority also promises His presence. The task is not done in our strength, but in His.
Consider This:
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What fears or hesitations do I have about “making disciples”?
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How does knowing that Jesus has “all authority” change my perspective on this task?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your clear command. Forgive me for the times I have viewed the Great Commission as an optional extra. I claim your authority over the powers of this world and your promise to be with me. Give me the courage to see my life as a vehicle for making disciples. Amen.
Day 2: The “Waffle” and the Unreached
Scripture: Matthew 24:14
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
Reflection:
The sermon used a powerful analogy: mission is not a pancake, where syrup spreads evenly, but a waffle, where the gospel gets stuck in cultural and linguistic barriers. The Greek word for “nations” in this verse is ethne—people groups. There are approximately 17,500 people groups in the world, and about 7,400 of them are “unreached,” meaning they have no indigenous Christian community to share the gospel with them. This represents over 3 billion people. These are not just statistics; they represent empty seats at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). The end will not come until the gospel reaches each of these “waffle squares.”
Consider This:
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Before today, had I ever considered the difference between reaching a “nation” and a “people group”?
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How does the “waffle” analogy change my understanding of the global mission task?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, break my heart for what breaks Yours. Open my eyes to see the world as You see it—filled with distinct people groups, many of whom have no access to the hope of Jesus. Help me to understand the scale of the task and to trust that You are a God who keeps His promises. Amen.
Day 3: Reasons for Hope
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:2
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
Reflection:
While the challenge is great, God is on the move! The sermon highlighted five reasons for celebration:
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Explosive Growth: Born-again Protestants are the fastest-growing major religious group globally, especially in China, Iran, and Mongolia.
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Bible Translation: Technology and collaboration are accelerating the translation of Scripture into thousands of languages.
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The Global South: The center of Christianity has shifted to Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
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The Harvest is the Force: Missionaries are increasingly coming from the Global South.
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Church Planting Movements: Decentralized, reproducing house churches are the fastest-growing method of evangelism.
This verse in 2 Timothy shows God’s plan: disciples who make disciples, who then make more disciples. This multiplication is happening right now.
Consider This:
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Which of these positive trends most encourages me and why?
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How can I be part of this “multiplication” chain in my own context?
Prayer:
Lord, I praise You for the incredible work You are doing around the world! Thank you for the growth of your church in unexpected places. Fill me with faith and hope, and show me how I can be part of this disciple-making multiplication in my own sphere of influence. Amen.
Day 4: The Challenge and Our Response
Scripture: Luke 10:2
“He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'”
Reflection:
Despite the progress, the challenges are stark. The number of non-believers is growing faster than the church. There is a loss of mission focus in the West, a desperate need for pastoral training, and a tragic lack of financial resources directed toward the unreached. Jesus’ response to this problem is our model. He didn’t first say “go,” but He said “ask.” Our primary work is prayer. We are to pray for laborers. When we pray for laborers, we must also be open to God’s call to become an answer to our own prayers.
Consider This:
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In my own life and church, where do I see a “loss of mission focus”?
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How can I make praying for global workers a more consistent part of my life?
Prayer:
Lord of the Harvest, I come to you today in obedience to your command. I ask you to send out workers into your harvest field. Raise up missionaries, translators, church planters, and faithful pastors. And Lord, if you are calling me to be one of those workers—whether across the street or across the world—give me a willing and courageous heart. Amen.
Day 5: Your Place in the Story
Scripture: Ephesians 5:25-26
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word…”
Reflection:
Christ sanctifies His church “by the washing with water through the word.” Just as we need a daily physical shower, we need a daily spiritual cleansing from God’s Word. This prepares us for service. The sermon ended with a simple, three-fold call to action for every believer: Pray, Give, Go.
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Pray: Become a prayer warrior for missionaries and the unreached.
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Give: Be generous with your finances, but also with hospitality, encouragement, and practical help.
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Go: Use your spiritual gifts. Look for one divine appointment each day. Be a “boot on the ground” right where you are.
Consider This:
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Which of the three (Pray, Give, Go) is God impressing on my heart to focus on right now?
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What is one practical step I can take this week to act on this calling?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, as I conclude this devotional, I ask you to seal these truths in my heart. Cleanse me by Your Word and prepare me for service. Show me my specific role in Your global mission. Whether I am to pray fervently, give sacrificially, or go courageously, I make myself available to You. Use me, Lord, so that one day I may hear those words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ In Jesus’ name, Amen