Book: Understanding the Bible 101 – Chapter 20: Sharing the Word: The Great Commission
- Dr. Layne McDonald
- Jun 11
- 8 min read
"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 (NIV)
We’ve reached the final chapter of our journey through the basics of the Bible. If you’ve been with me since Chapter 1, you’ve traveled from the ancient dust of Genesis to the soaring promises of the New Testament. You’ve looked at the Covenants, wrestled with the Law, found comfort in the Psalms, and stood at the foot of the Cross.
But here is the reality: the Bible was never meant to be a private collection of facts for your own intellectual amusement. It wasn’t given to us so we could win theological arguments at dinner parties or feel spiritually superior to our neighbors. The Word of God is a seed, and seeds are designed to be scattered. It is a light, and light is designed to be shared.
In this final chapter, we are looking at the "Now What?" of your biblical education. We are diving into the Great Commission, the final marching orders Jesus gave His followers before He ascended to heaven. For every believer, this isn't just a suggestion; it's our primary job description.
The Authority and the Mandate
When Jesus spoke the words of the Great Commission, He started with a massive claim: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."
This is the "why" behind the "what." We don’t share the Word because we are charismatic, because we are "religious," or even because we think we have all the answers. We share the Word because the King of the Universe told us to. His authority covers every square inch of this planet and every second of human history.
In the Greek text of Matthew 28, the main command is actually "make disciples" (mathēteuō). The words "go," "baptizing," and "teaching" are all participles that describe how we fulfill that main command.
Let’s break down these four pillars of our mission:
1. The Going (The Initiative)
Sharing the Word requires movement. Whether that’s moving across the street to talk to a neighbor or moving across the globe to a people group that has never heard the name of Jesus, the Gospel is an "outward" movement. It requires us to step out of our comfort zones. As an Assemblies of God-aligned community, we believe this "going" is fueled by a deep compassion for the lost. We don't wait for the world to come to church; we take the church to the world.
2. The Disicpling (The Relationship)
A "disciple" is a learner, a follower, an apprentice. Making a disciple is much more than getting someone to say a quick prayer or join a church. It’s about walking with them as they learn to follow Jesus. It’s relational. It’s messy. It takes time. You are inviting someone into the same journey of understanding the Bible that you have just completed.
3. The Baptizing (The Identity)
Baptism is the public declaration of a private transformation. When we baptize new believers "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," we are helping them identify with the Trinity. We are bringing them into the family of God. In our Pentecostal tradition, we see baptism as a vital step of obedience, a burial of the old self and a rising into new life in Christ.
4. The Teaching (The Implementation)
Notice Jesus didn't say, "Teach them everything I said so they can pass a test." He said, "Teach them to obey everything I have commanded." Discipleship is about lifestyle, not just lecture. We are teaching people how to live the Word. This is why our "Understanding the Bible 101" series has focused so heavily on practical application. If it doesn't change how you treat your spouse, handle your money, or view your coworkers, you haven't fully "learned" it yet.
The Secret Ingredient: The Power of the Spirit
Now, if you’re like most people, reading those four pillars feels a little intimidating. You might be thinking, "Layne, I just finished the 101 course. I’m not a preacher. I don’t have a degree. How am I supposed to make disciples?"
This is where we have to look at the second half of the Commission, the "with you always" part, and its companion verse in Acts 1:8:
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
In the Assemblies of God, we place a high priority on the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Why? Because Jesus knew we couldn't fulfill the Great Commission in our own strength. We need supernatural "dunamis" (power).
The Holy Spirit is the one who convicts hearts. The Holy Spirit is the one who gives you the right words to say when you’re nervous. The Holy Spirit is the one who prepares the "soil" of someone’s life before you even show up with the "seed."
Sharing the Word isn't a solo performance; it’s a partnership with God. When you step out to share what you’ve learned, you aren't doing it alone. The same Spirit that inspired the writers of the Bible is living inside you, helping you explain it to others.
Practical Ways to Share the Word
So, how do we actually do this in the real world? How do you take the deep truths of Scripture and bring them into a conversation at the office or the gym?
1. Share Your Story (The Testimony)
You might not be able to explain the nuances of the Greek verb tenses in Romans 8, but you can explain what Jesus has done for you. Your story is the most powerful bridge you have. People can argue with your theology, but they can't argue with your experience.
Before: What was your life like before you started following Jesus or studying His Word?
How: How did you come to trust Him?
After: What is different now? How has understanding the Bible changed your peace, your purpose, or your perspective?
2. Relational Evangelism
Most people come to Christ through a friend or family member. This is "presence-based" witnessing. By being a person of integrity, kindness, and grace, you earn the right to be heard. When people see you handling a crisis with peace or treating a difficult person with love, they will eventually ask "Why?" That "Why" is your open door to share the "Who."
3. Small Groups and Bible Studies
You don't have to be the teacher to be a disciple-maker. You can host a group. You can facilitate a discussion. You can simply invite someone to read a Gospel with you. "Hey, I've been doing this Bible study lately, and it's been really eye-opening. Would you want to grab coffee and look at a few verses in John with me?" It’s that simple.
4. Digital Discipleship
We live in a connected world. You can share verses, blog posts (like this one!), or encouraging thoughts on social media. You can text a friend a scripture that helped you through a hard day. Don't underestimate the power of a well-timed Word of God sent through a screen.
The Impartation Loop
I want to show you a framework I call the "Impartation Loop." This is how the Bible stays alive in your life and the lives of those around you.
The loop works like this:
Learning the Word: You read, study, and hear the Word. (This is what you've been doing in this series).
Living the Word: You internalize it and let it change your heart and actions.
Loving the World: Your transformed life overflows into compassion for others.
Leading Others: You share what you've learned, helping others start their own journey.
When you share the Word, it actually reinforces what you've learned. There is an old saying in education: "The best way to learn something is to teach it." When you have to explain a biblical concept to a seeker or a new believer, it forces you to understand it more deeply yourself. The Great Commission isn't just for the benefit of the "lost"; it's for your spiritual maturity, too.
Overcoming the "Fear Factor"
Let's be honest: sharing your faith can be scary. We worry about being rejected, looking foolish, or being asked a question we can't answer.
If someone asks you a hard question like, "How can a loving God allow suffering?" or "How do we know the Bible is historically accurate?" and you don't know the answer: that’s okay!
The most honest and powerful thing you can say is, "That's a great question. I'm actually still learning too. Let me look into that and we can talk about it next week." This shows humility and it keeps the conversation going. It shows that you are a "disciple" (a learner) right alongside them.
Remember, success in the Great Commission isn't defined by how many people you "convert." Success is defined by your obedience to share. We are called to be faithful witnesses; the results are up to the Holy Spirit.
To the Ends of the Earth
The Great Commission is a global mandate. While your primary mission field is your home, your workplace, and your community, we are also part of a global movement.
From that small group of disciples on a mountain in Galilee, the Word has spread across every ocean and into every culture. When you support missions, when you pray for the persecuted church, and when you share the Gospel with someone from a different background, you are participating in the massive, epic story of God reclaiming His world.
The End of the Beginning
As we close this 20-chapter study, I want to leave you with a challenge. Don't let this be the end of your "Bible 101" experience.
The Bible is an inexhaustible gold mine. You could study it for 80 years and still find new treasures every morning. But more importantly, don't keep the treasure to yourself. Somewhere in your life: at your kitchen table, in the cubicle next to you, or in your contact list: there is someone who is starving for the hope that you have found in these pages.
They don't need you to be a theologian. They just need you to be a witness. They need you to show them the Jesus you've met in the Word.
The Great Commission is your invitation to join the greatest rescue mission in history. The King has all authority. The Spirit has all the power. And He has chosen you to carry His Word.
Go. Make disciples. And remember, He is with you always.
Reflection Questions:
Who are the three people in your immediate circle who need the hope of the Gospel? Have you prayed for them today?
What is the one truth from this "Understanding the Bible 101" series that has impacted you the most? How can you share that truth with someone else this week?
In what ways do you feel you need the "power of the Holy Spirit" to be a better witness? Take a moment to ask the Lord for that empowerment right now.
A Prayer for the Commissioned: Lord, thank You for Your Word. Thank You that You didn't leave us in the dark, but You gave us the Light of Life. I ask that You would give me a heart of compassion for those who don't know You yet. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Give me boldness to speak, wisdom to listen, and love to serve. Help me to be a faithful disciple who makes disciples. Use my life to spread Your glory to the ends of the earth. Amen.
About Layne McDonald, Ph.D. Dr. Layne McDonald is a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ, a husband, father, and a passionate teacher of the Word. With a background in biblical studies and a heart for discipleship, he specializes in creating resources that help believers understand the deep truths of Scripture in a way that is practical, emotionally intelligent, and spiritually grounded. As a leader within the Assemblies of God tradition, Dr. McDonald is committed to the authority of Scripture and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the life of every believer. His mission is to equip the Church to navigate modern culture with biblical wisdom and eternal purpose.
If the Word of God is truly the Bread of Life, how long can you watch your neighbor starve before you offer them a seat at the table?
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