When Jesus gave the Great Commission, did He realize the implications? Did He know how weak His disciples would be, then and in future generations? Yes, the Commission’s context frankly reports their hardhearted doubts (Matthew 28:17; Mark 16:14).
“Make disciples!” That is Jesus’ primary imperative at the apex of Matthew (28:19). The same verb is translated as “trained” in Matthew 13:52. The noun form, mathetes, frequently refers to Jesus’ followers who stay close to learn from Him and imitate Him (Matthew 10:25 cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1).
There is much we cannot fathom about God’s work in devastating crises. Our God chooses to keep some things secret (Deuteronomy 29:29; Matthew 6:6). But He provides sufficient evidence for trust and He reveals our mission: “Make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
