What is the essence of the Great Commission?

• A. Jesus commands his disciples to build temples in every city.
• B. Jesus commands his disciples to observe the Law of Moses exactly.
• C. Jesus commands his disciples to spread the gospel only to Jews.
• D. Jesus commands his disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them.

Answer: (D)

At its heart, the Great Commission is Jesus sending his followers to reach all people with his message, not keeping it within one group. After his resurrection, he commands them to go to all nations, to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey everything he commanded. This establishes a universal mission—the gospel is for everyone, and becoming a disciple means beginning with baptism and continuing in instruction. The emphasis on all nations shows it isn’t limited to a specific ethnicity or location. It isn’t about building temples, nor about enforcing the Mosaic Law exactly, nor about preaching only to Jews; it’s about inviting every person into a transforming relationship with Jesus and guiding them to live under his teaching.