THE FINAL COMMAND OF JESUS: GO AND PREACH THE GOSPEL

Main Scripture

Mark 16:15 (KJV):
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Matthew 28:19–20 (KJV):
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Acts 1:8–9 (KJV):
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me… And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.”

Introduction

The final words of a person before departure are usually important because they reveal what is deepest in the person’s heart. Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave His disciples a clear command:

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Jesus did not say, “Consider going,” “Go only when it is convenient,” or “Leave it to pastors, evangelists and missionaries.” He said, “Go ye.”

The Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose again and offers salvation to everyone who believes. The Church was not saved merely to sit comfortably inside a building. We have been saved and sent.

1. Preaching the Gospel Is a Command

Mark 16:15 (KJV):
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

The word “Go” is a command. Many believers are waiting for a special calling, but the command has already been given. You may not be called to a pulpit, but you are called to be a witness.

You can share the Gospel in your family, workplace, school, business, neighbourhood, by telephone, through social media, personal testimony, church invitations and support for evangelistic work.

The methods may differ, but the command remains the same. A silent Church cannot fulfil the Great Commission.

2. Jesus Gave the Command Before Ascending

Acts 1:8–9 (KJV):
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me… And when he had spoken these things… he was taken up.”

One of Jesus’ final instructions before returning to heaven was that His followers should be His witnesses. This shows how important soul-winning is to Christ.

Luke 19:10 (KJV):
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Jesus came to seek and save the lost. When He completed His earthly ministry, He handed that responsibility to His disciples. The Church is now the mouth through which the Gospel is preached, the hand through which the broken are reached and the instrument through which the lost hear about salvation.

Jesus returned to heaven, but His mission continues through us.

3. The Gospel Is for Everyone

The Gospel is for the rich and poor, educated and uneducated, young and old, every tribe, nation, language and social class.

We must never decide that someone is too sinful, difficult or far gone to be saved.

Romans 1:16 (KJV):
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…”

The power is not in our eloquence; the power is in the Gospel. Our responsibility is to preach. God’s responsibility is to convict, save and transform.

The person who rejects the Gospel today may receive it tomorrow. Therefore, we must not give up.

4. The Harvest Is Plenteous

Matthew 9:37–38 (KJV):
“The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”

There are many people around us who need salvation. Some appear happy but are broken inwardly. Some are financially successful but spiritually empty. Some are religious but do not know Jesus personally. Others are waiting for someone to speak to them.

The problem is not the absence of souls; it is the shortage of labourers.

God is looking for people who will say:

“Lord, send me.”
“Lord, use me.”
“Lord, give me a soul.”
“Lord, help me to speak.”

A spectator watches; a labourer works.
A spectator criticises; a labourer participates.
A spectator waits for others; a labourer takes responsibility.

Are you a spectator or a labourer?

5. Every Believer Is a Witness

Acts 1:8 (KJV):
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…”

A witness tells what he has seen, heard and experienced. You may not know every doctrine in the Bible, but you know what Jesus has done for you.

Tell people how Jesus saved, delivered, healed, restored, strengthened or answered you.

Mark 5:19 (KJV):
“Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.”

Your testimony is a powerful evangelistic tool. You do not need a microphone. You need a willing heart, a clear testimony and courage to speak.

6. Do Not Be Ashamed of the Gospel

Romans 1:16 (KJV):
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ…”

Many believers speak confidently about business, politics, football, fashion and entertainment but become silent when the subject is Jesus Christ.

We must not be ashamed of the One who was not ashamed to die publicly for us. Jesus was mocked, beaten and crucified publicly. Therefore, we should not be ashamed to identify with Him publicly.

Luke 9:26 (KJV):
“For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed…”

We must speak with love, wisdom and respect, but we must speak.

7. Souls Cannot Believe Unless They Hear

Romans 10:13–15 (KJV):
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? … and how shall they hear without a preacher?”

People cannot believe a Gospel they have never heard. Someone must speak, explain, invite, reach out and care enough to share the truth.

You may be the person God will use to rescue a soul, restore a family or bring hope to someone in despair.

Never underestimate one conversation, invitation, tract, telephone call or testimony.

8. Soul-Winning Is an Act of Love

2 Corinthians 5:14 (KJV):
“For the love of Christ constraineth us…”

When the love of Christ fills our hearts, we will care about the spiritual condition of others. If heaven and hell are real, we cannot remain unconcerned about the lost.

Jude 22–23 (KJV):
“And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire…”

Love prays, speaks, invites, follows up and refuses to give up.

9. He That Winneth Souls Is Wise

Proverbs 11:30 (KJV):
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.”

Money, properties, cars and earthly titles will be left behind, but the souls we help bring to Christ will matter in eternity.

Daniel 12:3 (KJV):
“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”

There is an eternal reward for those who turn people to righteousness.

10. The Holy Ghost Gives Power to Witness

Acts 1:8 (KJV):
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…”

Jesus did not send His disciples without help. The Holy Ghost gives boldness, wisdom, compassion, the right words, divine opportunities, discernment and power.

Acts 4:31 (KJV):
“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”

Fear is one of the greatest enemies of evangelism. Some fear rejection, embarrassment or not knowing what to say. Do not depend only on your personality. Depend on the Holy Ghost.

11. Preach with Urgency

2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV):
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season…”

Evangelism is urgent because life is uncertain. The person beside you today may not be there tomorrow. The opportunity you have today may never return.

John 9:4 (KJV):
“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”

Stop postponing obedience. Do not say, “I will speak next month,” “I will invite another time,” or “I will begin when I know more Scriptures.”

Begin with what you know. Begin where you are. Begin with the person nearest to you.

12. Jesus Promised to Be with Us

Matthew 28:19–20 (KJV):
“Go ye therefore… and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

The command to go is accompanied by the promise of His presence.

When you speak about Christ, distribute Gospel materials, visit the sick, preach publicly, invite someone to church or face rejection, Jesus is with you.

The presence of Christ is our confidence.

Practical Ways to Preach the Gospel

  1. Pray for unsaved people: Write down their names and pray regularly.
  2. Share your testimony: Tell people what Jesus has done for you.
  3. Invite people to church: One invitation can change a life.
  4. Share Gospel messages: Use calls, texts and social media wisely.
  5. Support evangelism financially: Those who cannot travel can support those who go.
  6. Join church outreach: Do not leave evangelism to a few members.
  7. Live a godly life: Your conduct must support your message.
  8. Follow up new believers: Help them grow in Christ.

A Call to the Whole Church

The command of Jesus is for men, women, young people, older people, pastors, workers and every born-again believer.

God can use your voice, testimony, telephone, home, business, social media, resources and relationships.

The question is not whether God can use you. The question is: Are you available?

Personal Challenge

Every member should commit to:

Pray for one soul.
Speak to one soul.
Invite one soul.
Follow up one soul.

Do not come to church alone every week when people around you need Christ. Let every family become an evangelistic family, every department an evangelistic department and every believer a soul-winner.

Conclusion

Jesus Christ came to seek and save the lost. Before ascending to heaven, He commanded:

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

The world has changed, but the command has not changed. Technology has changed, but the message has not changed. Generations have changed, but the need for salvation has not changed.

Jesus is still the Saviour.
The Gospel is still the power of God unto salvation.
The harvest is still plentiful.
The labourers are still few.
The command is still: Go.

Let us not merely admire the Great Commission; let us obey it. Let us preach Christ with boldness, reach the lost with compassion and work while it is day.

Salvation Call

Romans 10:9 (KJV):
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Anyone who has not received Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour can respond today. Jesus died for your sins and rose again for your justification. He is calling you to repentance.

Do not harden your heart. Today is the day of salvation.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Compassion for the Lost

Matthew 9:36 (KJV):
“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them…”

Father, give us genuine compassion for the lost. Deliver us from spiritual indifference and help us to see people as Jesus sees them.

2. Boldness to Preach

Acts 4:29 (KJV):
“Grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.”

Father, fill every member of this church with boldness to preach the Gospel without fear or shame.

3. Power of the Holy Ghost

Acts 1:8 (KJV):
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…”

Father, empower us by the Holy Ghost to become effective witnesses of Jesus Christ.

4. Open Doors

Colossians 4:3 (KJV):
“That God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ…”

Father, open doors and create opportunities for us to preach Christ to those around us.

5. Wisdom in Soul-Winning

Proverbs 11:30 (KJV):
“He that winneth souls is wise.”

Father, give us wisdom to speak the right words, at the right time, to the right people.

6. Salvation of Souls

1 Timothy 2:4 (KJV):
“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

Father, let sinners be convicted, converted and established in Christ through the evangelistic work of this church.

7. More Labourers

Matthew 9:38 (KJV):
“Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”

Father, raise committed labourers in this church who will faithfully go and preach the Gospel.

FINAL DECLARATION

We shall not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. We shall go in the power of the Holy Ghost and preach Jesus Christ with boldness.

We shall reach our families, communities and nations. Through us, the lost shall be saved, the broken shall be restored and the name of Jesus shall be glorified.

We receive grace to obey the final command of Jesus. We shall go, we shall preach and we shall win souls for Christ, in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

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