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 the command that Jesus gave 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 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 28:19-20)
This command is not only for the original disciples, but for all Christians who follow Jesus. We are called to go and make disciples of all nations, whether that means crossing the street or crossing 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 reveal God’s heart for the lost, his plan for salvation, his promise of his presence, and his reward for his faithful servants.
In this blog post, we will discuss 18 powerful Bible verses about missions, one verse at a time. For each verse, we will include:
– The verse itself
– A brief explanation of the verse, including its meaning and significance
– An image that enhances the content of the verse
I hope that these verses will inspire you to go and make disciples as well. Let’s begin!
1. Psalm 96:3
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
This verse tells us that one of the reasons we should go and make disciples is to declare God’s glory among the nations. God’s glory is his splendor, majesty, beauty, and excellence. He deserves to be praised and worshiped by all people, because he has done marvelous deeds for us.
One of his marvelous deeds is sending his Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins and rise again from the dead. This is the gospel, the good news that we are called to share with everyone. By sharing the gospel, we are declaring God’s glory among the nations.
2. Matthew 24:14
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
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 he returns, the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world 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 is the message that Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and that he has come to save us from our sins and establish his reign of righteousness, peace, and joy. This message is not only for our personal salvation, but also for our transformation as his disciples. As we follow Jesus, we are called to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and to live as his ambassadors in this world.
3. 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.
This verse tells us that another reason we should go and make disciples is to receive and share God’s power through the Holy Spirit. 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 also gives us power to perform signs and wonders, to speak with boldness and wisdom, to love with compassion and grace, and to bear fruit in our lives. He also guides us to where God wants us to go and what he wants us to do.
4. Romans 10:13-15
For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
This verse tells us that another reason we should go and make disciples is to bring salvation to those who have not 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, someone needs to send them.
This verse shows us that there are four roles involved in missions: the caller, the believer, the preacher, and the sender. The caller is God, who calls everyone to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. 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 are all called to be involved in missions in one way or another. We can be callers by praying for God 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
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
This verse tells us that another reason we should go and make disciples is to respond to God’s call with obedience and willingness. 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
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
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 he saw the crowds of people who were 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 to be gathered, but there are not enough workers to do the job. He urged his disciples to pray to the Lord of the harvest, who is God himself, to send out more workers into his harvest field. He also implied that they themselves should be willing to be sent as workers.
This verse shows us that there are many people in the world who need to hear the gospel and experience God’s love and grace. They are like ripe fruit that is waiting to be picked, but there are not enough laborers to reach them. We are called to pray for God to raise up more laborers who will go and make disciples. We are also called to be available and obedient to go ourselves if God calls us.
7. John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
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.
Whoever believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will not perish in hell, but 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
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
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 authority and responsibility to go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
The gospel is the good news that God loves us, that he sent his Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins and rise again from the dead, and that he offers us forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life through faith in him. This is the message that we are called to share with everyone, no matter who they are, what they have done, or where they are 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 to communicate the gospel in any way that we can, using our words and actions, our gifts and talents, our stories and testimonies.
9. Revelation 7:9-10
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:
“Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
This verse tells us that another reason we should go and make disciples is to anticipate God’s future for us. The verse is part of the vision that John had of heaven, where he saw the final outcome of God’s mission. He saw a great multitude of people from every nation, tribe, people and language, who were saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
They were standing before the throne of God and before the Lamb, who is Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Savior of the world. They were wearing white robes, which symbolize their purity and righteousness that they received from Jesus. They were holding palm branches, which symbolize their victory and joy that they received from Jesus. And they were crying out in a loud voice, praising God and Jesus for their salvation.
This verse shows us that God’s mission is not in vain, but will succeed in bringing people from every nation to his kingdom. He will accomplish his purpose of making disciples of all nations and filling the earth with his glory. He will reward his faithful servants who obeyed his call and went to make disciples. He will welcome them into his presence and celebrate with them for eternity.
10. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
This verse tells us that another reason we should go and make disciples is to reflect God’s character and mission. The verse is part of the letter that Paul wrote to the Corinthians, where he explained the meaning and motivation of his ministry. He said that God reconciled us to himself through Christ, which means that he restored our broken relationship with him by forgiving our sins and making us his children.
He also said that God gave us the ministry of reconciliation, which means that he entrusted us with the task of sharing his message of reconciliation with others. He wants us to tell others how they can also be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ. He wants us to invite them to receive his forgiveness, grace, and love.
He also said that we are Christ’s ambassadors, which means that we represent him and his kingdom in this world. He wants us to act and speak as though he were making his appeal through us. He wants us to implore others on his behalf to be reconciled to God.
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
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
This verse tells us that another reason we should go and make disciples is to demonstrate God’s glory and goodness. The verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus taught his disciples how to live as his followers. He said that they are the light of the world, which means that they have a positive and powerful influence in this dark and sinful world.
He also said that they should not hide their light, but let it shine before others. He used two illustrations to make his point. The first one is a town built on a hill, which can be seen from far away. The second one is a lamp on a stand, which can illuminate the whole house. He said that in the same way, his disciples should let their light shine by doing good deeds that reflect God’s character and will.
He also said that the purpose of letting their light shine is not to draw attention to themselves, but to glorify God. He said that when people see their good deeds, they will praise God and acknowledge him as their Father in heaven.
This verse shows us that God’s glory and goodness are not only revealed through his words, but also through his works. He wants us to be his co-workers and partners in his mission of transforming the world. He wants us to do good deeds that show his love, justice, mercy, and grace to others. He wants us to be his witnesses and examples in this world.
12. Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
This verse tells us that another reason we should go and make disciples is to rely on God’s power and provision. The verse is part of the letter that Paul wrote to the Philippians, where he thanked them for their support and partnership in his ministry. He said that he learned to be content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
He also said that he could do all this through him who gives him strength, which is Jesus Christ. He meant that he could face any challenge, overcome any obstacle, and accomplish any task that God called him to do, because Jesus was with him and in him. He depended on Jesus for his strength, wisdom, grace, and joy.
This verse shows us that God’s power and provision are sufficient 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
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
This verse tells us that another reason we should go and make disciples is to defend and explain our faith. The verse is part of the letter that Peter wrote to the Christians who were suffering persecution and hostility for their faith. He encouraged them to remain faithful and hopeful in Christ, and to be ready to give an answer to anyone who asked them about their faith.
The word “answer” means to give a logical and reasonable explanation or defense of something. It does not mean to argue or debate, but to share and persuade. Peter said that we should always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have, which is Jesus Christ.
He also said that we should do this with gentleness and respect, which means that we should be humble and courteous, not arrogant or rude. We should not insult or mock those who disagree with us, but treat them with dignity and love. We should not be ashamed or afraid of our faith, but be confident and bold.
This verse shows us that God’s truth and grace are not only revealed through his works, but also through his words. He wants us to be his witnesses and apologists in this world. He wants us to defend and explain our faith with logic and evidence, as well as with love and compassion.
14. Colossians 4:5-6
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
This verse tells us that another reason we should go and make disciples is to communicate God’s grace and truth effectively. The verse is part of the letter that Paul wrote to the Colossians, where he instructed them how to live as Christians in a pagan society. He said that they should be wise in the way they act toward outsiders, who are the non-Christians around them.
He also said that they should make the most of every opportunity, which means that they should use every occasion and circumstance to share the gospel and show God’s love to others. He said that they should let their conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, which means that they should speak with kindness and respect, but also with flavor and impact.
He also said that they should know how to answer everyone, which means that they should be able to respond to any question or objection that others may have about their faith and lifestyle. He said that they should be able to explain and defend their faith with clarity and confidence.
This verse shows us that God’s grace and truth are not only revealed through his words and works, but also through our words and actions. He wants us to be his effective communicators and influencers in this world. He wants us to speak and act in a way that reflects his character and will, and that attracts and persuades others to him.
15. 2 Timothy 2:2
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
This verse tells us that another reason we should go and make disciples is to multiply God’s kingdom and ministry. The verse is part of the letter that Paul wrote to Timothy, his son in the faith and his co-worker in the gospel. He urged him to be faithful and diligent in teaching and training others who could also teach and train others.
He said that the things that he had heard him say in the presence of many witnesses, which are the doctrines and practices of Christianity, he should entrust to reliable people, who are trustworthy and loyal, who will also be qualified to teach others, who are able and willing.
This verse shows us that God’s kingdom and ministry are not only revealed through his words and works, but also through our words and works. He wants us to be his faithful and fruitful followers in this world. He wants us to teach and train others who can also teach and train others. He wants us to multiply his disciples and leaders in this world.
16. Matthew 25:40
The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
This verse tells us that another reason we should go and make disciples is to serve and love Jesus as our King. The verse is part of the parable that Jesus told about the sheep and the goats, where he described the final judgment of all people. 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 into his kingdom and say, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” He will then explain why they are blessed, by saying that they fed him when he was hungry, gave him drink when he was thirsty, invited him in when he was a stranger, clothed him when he was naked, looked after him when he was sick, and visited him when he was in prison.
The sheep will be surprised and ask him, “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 with this verse, saying that whatever they did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of his, they did for him.
He will then turn to the goats on his left and say, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” He will then explain why they are cursed, by saying that they did not do any of those things for him when he was in need. The goats will also be surprised and ask him the same questions as the sheep. He will then reply with a similar verse, saying that whatever they did not do for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of his, they did not do for him.
This verse shows us that God’s love and justice are not only revealed through his words and works, but also through our words and works. 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
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This is perhaps the most well-known and important verse about missions in the Bible. It is known as the Great Commission, because it is the final command that Jesus gave to His disciples before He ascended 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 accomplish 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 just some. Jesus wants us to reach every people group, language, culture, and ethnicity with His gospel. 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.
- It is accompanied by Jesus’ presence. 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 throughout history to go and make disciples of all nations. One example is William Carey (1761-1834), who is considered 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, planted churches, started schools, fought against social evils like sati (widow burning), and influenced many other missionaries to follow his footsteps.
18. Romans 10:14-15
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
This verse shows us that missions are necessary for salvation and beautiful in God’s sight. Paul explained that people cannot 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 they are sent by God. Therefore, 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.
Words of 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 missions is a command, a privilege, and a joy for every Christian.
If you want to respond to the call of 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!