Jesus’ Second Commission: “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation…” was given by Jesus in Jerusalem eight days after He had risen from the dead. (Mark 16:15).

Jesus’ Third Commission: “Feed My lambs, Tend My sheep, Feed my sheep” was given by Jesus in Galilee on the beach a few weeks after He had risen from the dead. (John 21:15-17).

Jesus’ Fourth Commission: “Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations…” was given by Jesus in Galilee on the mountain several weeks after He had risen from the dead. (Matthew
28:19).

Each time, Jesus gives them the same commission, but in more specific detail. There is really only one main command in this commission. Jesus tells them, as you go through life, wherever life takes you, do this one thing make disciples. Notice he does NOT say, make converts, plant churches, build buildings for me, begin organizations, start denominations, or the myriad of other things people in the church find themselves doing. Jesus simply tells them to make disciples.

Jesus had spent three years of His life making disciples. He said in Luke 6:40, “When a disciple is fully trained, he will be like his Master.” Jesus  ade disciples and He expected them to do the same. Jesus expected them to be just like Him. Just like Him on the inside; having His character, His attitude, His mind, and to be just like Him on the outside; having His priorities and walking as He walked (1 John 2:6). Paul put it this way, until we all attain the measure of the stature of the fullness of Jesus Christ and to grow up in every way into Jesus who is the head, of the body (taken from Ephesians 4:13,15).

Jesus wants you and I to be just like Him in the way we think, in how we feel, in our attitudes and emotions, in our hearts, in our hands, and in the way we relate to God the Father and others. God predestined us to become like Jesus in everyday life (Romans 8:29). That is the goal: Christ likeness. Jesus in me living through me.