On Sunday, April 12, 2026, I shared a message titled “Go: The One Word That Changed the World,” Matthew 28:16–20. This passage, often called the Great Commission, remains one of the most powerful calls Jesus ever gave to His followers, and it still speaks directly to us today.The scene opens with the disciples gathering on a mountain in Galilee, just as Jesus had instructed them before His death and resurrection. They arrived carrying a mixture of emotions. They were tired, uncertain about many things, yet still hopeful and open to what God would do next. These were not perfect people; they were people whose strength was low and whose minds were unsettled, yet whose hearts remained willing.When they saw Jesus alive, they worshiped Him. Yet even in that moment, some doubted. This is what makes the moment so real and so encouraging. Jesus did not wait for perfect faith before giving them purpose. He met them as they were and called them forward.Matthew 28:16–20 (NKJV) says, “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.”Jesus began by establishing His authority. “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” The mission He was about to give them was not based on their strength, ability, or confidence. It was grounded in His power. That means when we go, we are not going alone or unprepared. We go under the authority of the risen Christ.There is a story of a missionary standing in a remote village, far from home, surrounded by people who had never heard the name of Jesus. He felt small and inadequate. Yet as he shared the message of Christ, lives began to change. That transformation did not come from his own ability, but from the authority and presence of Jesus working through him. The same is true for us. Whether we are across the world or across the street, we carry that same authority.Jesus then gave a clear assignment: go, make disciples, baptize, and teach. This command is both simple and life-changing. “Go” requires movement. It calls us to step out of comfort and into obedience. “Make disciples” means more than seeing people come to faith; it means helping them grow and live according to the teachings of Jesus. “Baptize” marks a public declaration of a new life in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.History gives us powerful examples of those who took this command seriously. In 1853, Hudson Taylor left England at the age of 21 to bring the Gospel to China. He did not have modern tools or large support systems, only a deep burden to see people come to Christ. He once said, “The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.” Because he went, many lives were impacted with the message of Jesus.Today, we continue that mission. We recognize and support those who serve in various parts of the world and in our own communities. From international missionaries to local outreach efforts, including work among the homeless in Oklahoma City, the call remains the same. The Spirit that empowered believers then is still at work now.Jesus closed His command with a promise that brings strength and comfort: “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” This assurance changes how we live and serve. When we feel unsure, He is with us. When we feel unqualified, He is with us. When we take even the smallest step of obedience, He is present in it.There was a woman in Oklahoma who felt led to reach out to a grieving neighbor. She did not have the perfect words, but she brought a meal and prayed. Months later, that neighbor came to church and gave her life to Christ, sharing that in that moment of kindness she felt the love of God again. That is what happens when Jesus works through willing hearts.The Great Commission is not limited to those who travel far distances. It belongs to every believer. The nations include our homes, our workplaces, and our communities. Everywhere there are people in need of hope, there is an opportunity to live out this calling.Each of us must consider what this looks like personally. Who around us needs to hear about the love of Jesus? How can we help someone grow in their faith? What step can we take this week to live in obedience to His command?When Jesus stood on that mountain, He gave His followers more than instructions. He gave them courage and purpose. That same call continues today. No matter our past or the doubts we may carry, His command still stands. Go, make disciples, baptize, and teach.We are called to carry His message, to speak life into weary hearts, and to share His love with boldness. The risen Lord who spoke these words is still with us, leading and strengthening us every step of the way.