Have you ever felt the urge to share the gospel with someone who has never heard it before? Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about missions and why it is so important? If so, you are not alone. Many Christians have a passion for missions and a desire to obey the Great Commission.
The Great Commission is Jesus’ command to his disciples before he ascended to heaven. He said,
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
This command is not only for the original disciples, but for all Christians who follow Jesus. We are called to make disciples of all nations, whether by crossing the street or the ocean. We are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with everyone we meet, and to help them grow in their faith.
But how can we do this? How can we overcome our fears, doubts, and challenges? How can we find the motivation and courage to go and make disciples?
One way is to look at what the Bible says about missions. The Bible is full of powerful verses that can inspire us to go and make disciples. These verses show God’s love for the lost. They show his plan for salvation, promise to be with him, and reward his loyal servants.
In this blog post, we will discuss 18 powerful Bible verses about missions, one verse at a time.
I hope that these verses will inspire you to go and make disciples as well. Let’s begin!
1. Psalm 96:3
This verse reminds us to make disciples and proclaim God’s glory among all nations. God’s glory is his splendor, majesty, beauty, and excellence. All people should praise and worship him because he has done marvelous deeds for us.
One of his marvelous deeds is that he sent his Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins and rise again from the dead. We are called to share this gospel, the good news, with everyone. By sharing the gospel, we are declaring God’s glory among the nations.
2. Matthew 24:14
This verse tells us that another reason we should go and make disciples is to fulfill God’s plan for the end times. Jesus said that before his return, the gospel of the kingdom will be preached everywhere. This will serve as a testimony to all nations. This means that every people group will have a chance to hear and respond to the gospel.
The gospel of the kingdom tells us that Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He came to save us from our sins. His goal is to establish a reign of righteousness, peace, and joy. This message is for our salvation and our growth as his disciples. As we follow Jesus, we must seek his kingdom and righteousness first. We also serve as his ambassadors in this world.
3. Acts 1:8
This verse shows that God gives us power to witness for Christ. We receive this strength through the Holy Spirit, which helps us witness for Christ. Jesus said that before he ascended to heaven, he would send the Holy Spirit to his followers. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, who empowers us to live as Christians and to witness for Christ.
The Holy Spirit gives us power to overcome our weaknesses, fears, and temptations. He gives us power to do signs and wonders. We can speak boldly and wisely. We can love with compassion and grace. Plus, we can bear fruit in our lives. He also guides us to where God wants us to go and shows us what he wants us to do.
4. Romans 10:13-15
This verse reminds us to make disciples. We bring the gospel to those who haven’t heard the gospel. The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). But in order for people to believe, they need to hear the gospel. And in order for them to hear the gospel, someone needs to preach it to them. And in order for someone to preach it to them, the preacher needs to be sent.
This passage describes four roles in missions:
The caller
The believer
The preacher
The sender
The caller is the person who calls on the Lord in faith. The believer is the one who responds to God’s call and receives salvation. The preacher is the one who shares the gospel with others and leads them to Christ. The sender is the one who supports and equips the preacher to go and make disciples.
We all have a calling to get involved in missions in one way or another. We can call on God by praying for him to save people and send workers. We can be believers by trusting in Jesus and living for him. We can be preachers by sharing the gospel with those around us and going where God leads us. We can be senders by giving, encouraging, and partnering with those who go.
5. Isaiah 6:8
This verse shows that we should make disciples to obey God’s call and be willing. The verse is part of the vision that Isaiah had of God’s throne room. He saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, surrounded by seraphim who praised him with loud voices. He also felt his own unworthiness and sinfulness, and cried out for mercy.
Then he heard the voice of the Lord asking, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” This was God’s invitation for Isaiah to join his mission of proclaiming his message to his people. Isaiah did not hesitate or make excuses. He immediately volunteered and said, “Here am I. Send me!”
This verse shows us that God is looking for people who are willing to go and make disciples for him. He does not force or coerce anyone to do his will. He invites and calls us to join his mission. He also equips and cleanses us from our sins, so that we can serve him with confidence and joy.
6. Matthew 9:37-38
This verse tells us that another reason we should go and make disciples is to respond to the need of the world. Jesus said this after seeing the crowds. They felt harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He had compassion on them and wanted to help them. He also wanted his disciples to share his compassion and join him in his mission.
He compared the people to a harvest that is ready for gathering, but not enough workers are available to do the job. He urged his disciples to pray to God, the Lord of the harvest. They should ask Him to send more workers into His harvest field. He also implied that they should be willing to go as workers themselves.
This verse tells us many people need to hear the gospel. They also need to feel God’s love and grace. They are like ripe fruit waiting for pickers, but not enough laborers can reach them. God calls us to pray for Him to raise up more laborers who will go and make disciples. We also must be available and obedient to go ourselves if God calls us.
7. John 3:16
This verse tells us that the ultimate reason we should go and make disciples is to share God’s love with the world. God loves the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins and rise again from the dead. This is the greatest gift of love that anyone can ever receive.
Anyone who believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will not go to hell. Instead, they will have eternal life in heaven. Eternal life is not only a quantity of life, but a quality of life. It is a life of knowing God and enjoying his presence, peace, and joy forever.
This verse shows us that God’s love is universal, unconditional, sacrificial, and personal. He loves everyone, no matter who they are, what they have done, or where they are from. He loves them so much that he gave his best for them, even though it cost him everything. He loves them so much that he invites them to have a personal relationship with him through faith in his Son.
8. Mark 16:15
This verse tells us that another reason we should go and make disciples is to obey Jesus’ command. Jesus said this to his disciples after he rose from the dead and appeared to them. He gave them the power and duty to go into the world and share the gospel with everyone.
The gospel is good news. It tells us that God loves us. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins and rise from the dead. Through faith in him, we receive forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. We call on everyone to share this message. It doesn’t matter who they are, what they’ve done, or where they’re from.
The word “preach” means to proclaim, announce, or declare something publicly and boldly. It does not necessarily mean to speak from a pulpit or a platform. It means sharing the gospel in any way possible. We use our words and actions, our gifts and talents, and our stories and testimonies.
9. Revelation 7:9-10
This verse reminds us to make disciples because of the bright future God has for us. It’s part of John’s vision of heaven. He saw a vast crowd from every nation, tribe, and language, saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
They stood before God’s throne and the Lamb, Jesus, our Savior. They wore white robes, showing their purity and righteousness from Jesus. They held palm branches, symbols of victory and joy from Him. They cried out loudly, praising God and Jesus for their salvation.
This verse shows that God’s mission will succeed. He will bring people from all nations into His kingdom. He will fulfill His purpose of making disciples and filling the earth with His glory. He will reward those who obeyed His call and made disciples. He will welcome them into His presence and celebrate with them forever.
10. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
This verse shows why we should go and make disciples. It reflects God’s character and mission. Paul wrote this in his letter to the Corinthians. He explained his ministry’s meaning and motivation. He said God reconciled us to himself through Christ. He fixed our broken relationship by forgiving our sins. Then, he adopted us as his children.
Paul also mentioned that God gave us the ministry of reconciliation. This means he trusts us to share his message with others. He wants us to tell them how they can be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ. We should invite them to receive his forgiveness, grace, and love.
Furthermore, Paul said we are Christ’s ambassadors. This means we represent him and his kingdom in the world. He wants us to act and speak as if he were making his appeal through us. We should urge others to reconcile with God on his behalf.
This verse shows us that God’s character is loving, gracious, and merciful. He does not want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). He does not hold our sins against us, but offers us a way of salvation through his Son. He does not leave us alone but sends us his Spirit to help us and guide us.
11. Matthew 5:14-16
This verse reminds us to make disciples to show God’s glory and goodness. It comes from the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus taught his followers how to live. He told them they are the light of the world, meaning they can have a positive impact in a dark and sinful place.
Jesus said they should not hide their light but let it shine for others to see. He used two examples to illustrate this. The first is a town on a hill that is visible from afar. The second is a lamp on a stand that lights up an entire house. His disciples should also shine their light by doing good deeds that show God’s character.
He emphasized that the goal of shining their light is not to seek attention but to glorify God. When others see their good deeds, they will praise God and recognize him as their Father in heaven.
This verse shows that God’s glory and goodness shine through His words and actions. He wants us to be his partners in transforming the world. He calls us to perform good deeds that show his love, justice, mercy, and grace. We are to be his witnesses and examples in this world.
12. Philippians 4:13
This verse shows another reason to make disciples: to trust in God’s power. It comes from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, where he thanked them for their support in his ministry. He said he learned to be content in any situation. It didn’t matter if he was well-fed or hungry, or if he lived in plenty or in want.
Paul also said he could do all things through Christ, who gives him strength. He could face challenges, overcome obstacles, and finish the tasks God gave him. He relied on Jesus for strength, wisdom, grace, and joy.
This verse shows us that God’s power and provision are enough for us to go and make disciples. He does not call us to do something that he will not enable us to do. He does not leave us alone, but he is with us and in us. He gives us everything we need to fulfill his will and glorify his name.
13. 1 Peter 3:15
This verse highlights why we should be ready to explain our hope in Christ. It comes from a letter Peter wrote to Christians facing persecution. He urged them to stay faithful and hopeful in Christ. They should be ready to explain the hope they have in Christ to anyone who asks.
The word “answer” means to explain or defend our beliefs clearly. It’s not about arguing but sharing our perspective. Peter emphasized that we must always be ready to explain the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
He also advised that we do this with gentleness and respect. We should be humble and courteous, avoiding arrogance or rudeness. Instead of mocking those who disagree, we should treat them with dignity and love. We need to be confident in our faith, not ashamed or afraid.
This verse shows that God’s truth and grace shine through His works and words. He wants us to be His witnesses and defenders in the world. We should explain our faith with logic, evidence, love, and compassion.
14. Colossians 4:5-6
This verse highlights the importance of being wise with outsiders. We should share God’s grace and truth through our words. It comes from Paul’s letter to the Colossians, where he guides them in living as Christians in a pagan society. He advises them to act wisely toward outsiders, meaning non-Christians.
Paul encourages them to seize every opportunity. This means making the most of every opportunity to share the gospel and show God’s love. He tells them to let their conversations be full of grace, seasoned with salt. This means speaking kindly and respectfully while making an impact.
He also advises them to know how to answer everyone. This means being ready to answer questions or objections about their beliefs and way of life. They should explain and defend their beliefs clearly and confidently.
This verse reveals that we show God’s grace and truth through our words and actions. He wants us to be effective communicators and influencers. Our speech and behavior should reflect his character, attracting others to him.
15. 2 Timothy 2:2
This verse shows another reason to make disciples: to grow God’s kingdom and ministry. It comes from Paul’s letter to Timothy, his son in the faith and co-worker. Paul urged Timothy to be diligent in teaching others who could also teach.
He told Timothy to pass on what he had heard in front of many witnesses. These teachings are the core doctrines and practices of Christianity. Timothy should share this knowledge with trustworthy and loyal people. They will be ready to teach others.
This verse reminds us that God’s kingdom is shown through our words and actions too. He wants us to be faithful followers. We should teach and train others who can do the same. Our mission is to make disciples and develop leaders around the world.
16. Matthew 25:40
This verse tells us that another reason we should go and make disciples is to serve and love Jesus as our King. This verse comes from Jesus’ parable of the sheep and the goats. In it, he talks about the final judgment for everyone. He said that he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. He will welcome the sheep to his kingdom and say, “Come, you who my Father has blessed. Take your inheritance, the kingdom made for you since the world’s creation.” Then, he will explain why they have blessings. They helped him when he was hungry. They gave him drink when he was thirsty. They welcomed him as a stranger. They clothed him when he was naked. They cared for him when he was sick. They visited him in prison.
The sheep will be surprised. They will ask, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink?” When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” He will then reply, saying whatever they did for the least of these brothers and sisters, they did for him.
He will glance at the goats on his left and say, “Leave me, you cursed ones. Go into the eternal fire made for the devil and his angels.” He will explain why they are cursed, stating that they failed to help him when he needed it. The goats will also be surprised and ask him the same questions as the sheep. He will respond with a similar verse. He’ll say that what they didn’t do for the least of these brothers and sisters, they didn’t do for him.
This verse shows that God’s love and justice appear in His words and actions, and in ours too. He wants us to be his faithful and compassionate followers in this world. He wants us to serve and love Jesus as our King by serving and loving others as his brothers and sisters. He wants us to be his sheep and not his goats in this world.
17. Matthew 28:18-20
This is the most well-known and important verse about missions in the Bible. We call this the Great Commission. It’s the last command Jesus gave to His disciples before He went to heaven. It is also the main reason why we do missions, because it is what Jesus told us to do.
This verse tells us several things about missions:
It is based on Jesus’ authority. He has all authority in heaven and on earth, which means He has the right to rule over every person, place, and thing. He also has the power to do His will and protect His people.
It is a command, not a suggestion. Jesus said “go”, not “if you feel like it”. He expects us to obey Him and follow His example of making disciples.
It is for all nations, not some. Jesus calls us to share His gospel with everyone. It doesn’t matter their group, language, culture, or ethnicity. He loves everyone and wants everyone to know Him.
It involves baptism and teaching. Baptism is a sign of repentance and faith in Jesus, and a symbol of our new identity in Him. Teaching is a way of helping new believers grow in their knowledge and obedience of Jesus.
Jesus’ presence accompanies it. Jesus promised to be with us always, even to the end of the age. He does not leave us alone or forsake us when we go on missions. He goes with us by His Spirit, who guides us, empowers us, comforts us, and convicts us.
This verse has inspired many Christians over the years. They encourage making disciples in every nation. An example is William Carey (1761-1834). He is known as the father of modern missions. He was a shoemaker from England who felt God’s call to go to India and preach the gospel. He faced many challenges and hardships, but he persevered in his mission work for over 40 years. He translated the Bible into several Indian languages. He planted churches and started schools. He fought against social issues like sati (widow burning). He also inspired many other missionaries to follow his example.
18. Romans 10:14-15
This verse shows us that missions are necessary for salvation and beautiful in God’s sight. Paul said that people can’t be saved unless they hear and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. But they cannot hear unless someone preaches to them. And someone cannot preach unless God sends them.
Thus, those who go and bring good news are fulfilling a vital role in God’s plan of salvation. And they are also pleasing God, who considers their feet beautiful. Missions are a way of bringing life to the dead and glory to God.
Conclusion
The Bible is full of powerful verses about missions that can inspire us to go and make disciples. We have seen some of them in this blog post: Mark 16:15 and Romans 10:14-15. These verses remind us that mission is a command, a privilege, and a joy for every Christian.
If you want to respond to the call to missions and go and make disciples, here are some practical steps you can take:
Pray for God’s guidance and direction for your life.
Seek opportunities to share the gospel with others, both near and far.
Support missionaries and mission organizations through your prayers, finances, and encouragement.
Consider going on a short-term or long-term mission trip yourself.
Memorize one or more of the Bible verses about missions that we discussed in this blog post.
May God bless you as you go and make disciples!
