“I do not think it means what you think it means.”

Churches talk about the Great Commission frequently. We coined the name ‘Great Commission’ to highlight the significance of Jesus’s command; his final command before he ascended into the clouds, and claimed the throne reserved only for him.

The magnitude of this command should ensure our ability to grasp its meaning. And yet, respected ministers quote the commission this way, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” A resounding “Amen!” is the usual response.

That is when the words of Inigo Montoya from the Princess Bride echo in my head. “I do not think it means what you think it means.” In the movie, Inigo responds to the frequent misuse of the word inconceivable. What is inconceivable to me is that leaders in the church get the Great Commission so wrong!

Does Matthew 28:19 really read, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel?’ It might sound right, but what does the text say?

As you go, make disciples of all people groups and teach these disciples to obey everything Christ has taught us. The instructions in the Great Commission are for what happens AFTER the preaching, conversion, and baptism.

Yes, Scripture calls us to “preach the Word” (2 Timothy 4:2) and to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom God (Matthew 24:14). However, forty days after the resurrection, Jesus commissioned his followers to do something different. The command is to “make disciples, … teaching them to obey” all the things that he has taught us.

Recent studies have shown that only 5% of churches in North America have a clearly articulated plan for discipling believers.[1] Is it possible that the reason we do not disciple people is because we have misunderstood the Great Commission?

What is inconceivable to me is that we are so easily satisfied with altar call responses and Sunday morning baptisms.

If the command is to preach the gospel in all the world, then that responsibility falls to those with the gift of preaching. We think, ‘If I’m not gifted to preach, then the commission does not apply to me.’

If our only responsibility is to share the good news with all people groups, then the ultimate responsibility shifts to the hearers to respond. We have done our job. We tell them about Jesus, and they listen and respond by accepting Christ. We have fulfilled our responsibility. When they respond positively, we celebrate that response by counting conversions and baptisms.

But what does the Scripture say? “… Make disciples of all nations, … teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” The commission does not entail celebrating a one-time event in the life of new believers. The commission is to commit our lives to the never ending, messy work of discipleship.

Our celebration along the way happens as we see young believers grow in their discipleship. Rather than only celebrating a one-and-done event, our joy is multiplied as we see monthly spiritual growth develop into lifelong fruitfulness. True joy comes as we see these disciples begin discipling others who, in turn, disciple the next generation of believers.

What is inconceivable to me is that we are so easily satisfied with altar call responses and Sunday morning baptisms. What is inconceivable to me is that we are shocked when undiscipled believers create division in the church, or wound those who are still seeking, because they are behaving like the spiritual toddlers they are.

Too many churches, eager for more notches for their evangelistic belts, have left feral Christians to fend for themselves. That should be inconceivable, yet it is all too common.

Inigo Montoya’s phrase does not belong in our sanctuaries. It is rightfully one of the greatest quotes in cinematic history. Jesus calls us to make disciples, who make disciples, who make disciples, and in his mind, it is far from inconceivable.

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[1] Grey Matter Research & Consulting and Discipleship.org, “National Study on Disciple Making in USA Churches: High Aspirations Amidst Disappointing Results (PDF)” (Grey Matter Research & Consulting, March 2020), 3.