The Sending Event, often referred to as the "Great Commission," is a pivotal moment in the New Testament where Jesus Christ commands His disciples to spread the Gospel to all nations. This event is primarily recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, though it is echoed in other Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. It marks the transition of the disciples from followers to apostles, tasked with the mission of evangelism and discipleship.

Biblical Account

The most detailed account of the Sending Event is found in Matthew 28:16-20. After His resurrection, Jesus meets His eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee. Here, He declares, "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 all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20).

This passage underscores several key elements: the authority of Christ, the command to make disciples, the Trinitarian formula for baptism, the teaching of Christ's commandments, and the promise of His perpetual presence.

Theological Significance

The Sending Event is foundational for Christian mission and evangelism. It establishes the universal scope of the Gospel, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. The command to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit affirms the doctrine of the Trinity, a central tenet of Christian faith. Furthermore, the promise of Christ's presence provides assurance and encouragement to believers as they undertake this mission.

Parallels in Other Gospels

The Sending Event is paralleled in Mark 16:15-18, where Jesus instructs His disciples to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). In Luke 24:46-49, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of His suffering and resurrection and commissions the disciples to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

In the Gospel of John, the Sending Event is more implicit. After His resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples and says, "As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you" (John 20:21). This highlights the continuity of the mission of Jesus with that of His disciples.

The Acts of the Apostles

The Sending Event is further elaborated in Acts 1:8, where Jesus tells His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This verse outlines the geographical expansion of the early church and emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering the disciples for their mission.

Historical Impact

The Sending Event has had a profound impact on the history of Christianity. It has inspired countless missionary movements and efforts to translate the Bible into various languages. The event underscores the church's responsibility to evangelize and disciple, shaping its understanding of mission and outreach.

Practical Implications

For contemporary Christians, the Sending Event serves as a reminder of their calling to participate in the Great Commission. It challenges believers to engage in evangelism, discipleship, and cross-cultural missions, relying on the authority of Christ and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The promise of Christ's presence offers comfort and strength as they fulfill this divine mandate.