We must not allow our familiarity with Mark 16:15 to cause us to overlook what it is teaching.

"And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.'"

These words are often referred to as the Great Commission. That is an appropriate designation. A commission is a charge or responsibility that must be carried out - often in a specific way with specific purposes. It must be understood as a command - not optional.

The greatness of this command begins with the one who gives it - the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. That alone should focus our attention. No one can speak with greater authority for He speaks with the combined authority of heaven and earth (Matthew 28: 18). He is our Savior. He died on the cross for all people. He is the head of the church, His body (Colossians 1:24).

What Jesus wants us to do is to "preach." That word means to declare, proclaim, or announce. Primarily, it is a vocal activity, but it is also by writing, as the New Testament writings are an example.

The content of the preaching is specified - "the gospel." He has left us no choice. Church traditions, human opinions, philosophy and psychology are not the gospel. The gospel means "good news" and is sometimes translated "glad tidings." Scripture describes it as "the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24). It is a message from God offering us His grace - His willingness to do us a favor, to give us a gift, that we do not deserve. This grace came through Jesus' life, death and resurrection. We must receive, stand in and hold fast this message. If we do not, our sin will condemn us; we will not be saved (read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

The area of Jesus' command is the whole world. To make sure we do not misunderstand He adds the phrase "to every creature." The glad message that our sins can be forgiven in Jesus if we will obey His instructions is not just a message for certain people. No one is predestined to hear the gospel and be saved. The color of your skin, the shape of your eyes, your national origin, social, educational or financial status in life makes no difference. There are no limitations to whom the gospel should be preached. It is not necessarily first at home, then abroad. It is simply whomever, whenever, wherever!!

Finally, but most importantly, those already saved are commanded to "Go." Let us all do what we are told to do. Let us preach the gospel as we move out into the whole world.

- Focusing On Truth, Feb. 2014