The Servant's Commission | Mark 16:13-18

Sermon Summary

I see us in that room. Doors locked. Hearts heavy. We’ve heard Mary. We’ve heard Peter and John. We’ve even heard the Emmaus pair swear their hearts burned when Jesus opened the Scriptures. Yet we sit, arms folded, waiting to see before we’ll believe. Then Jesus walks in. He rebukes our hardness, yes, but He doesn’t discard us. He hands doubters a worldwide assignment. That’s grace. Ordinary people. Extraordinary message. Today I’m speaking not at you but with you, as one who has stalled in fear and felt that burn rekindled. Let’s receive His words and move.

The Mission

Jesus states it plainly: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” This is the Great Commission. In it we see the mandate, the message, and the method.

Mandate.

This is a royal order, not a suggestion. “All authority… has been given to Me.” The King sends us with His authority. Our options are simple: obey or disobey. Not temperament-based. Not season-of-life-based. Not “if you choose to accept it.” If you are in Christ, this is your assignment. Ask one question: Who’s the last person you shared the gospel with? If no name comes, let that awaken you, not shame you. People step into eternity daily. The mandate stands.

Message.

We do not preach ourselves. We preach Christ crucified, buried, and risen. Salvation is in no other name. The gospel is not self-help or self-acceptance. It is substitution and resurrection. If Jesus has saved you, the best news you know should not be your best-kept secret. Fear will whisper. Intimidation will loom. Relationships may feel at risk. But love compels us. The gospel is for “every creature”—no exclusions, no pre-sorting by background, intellect, or likability. Carry it to all.

Method.

We do not aim for mere decisions. We make disciples. “Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Our church language is simple: help people find and follow Jesus. Disciples reproduce. Healthy believers help others walk with Christ. So ask a second question: Who are you discipling? Who is following Jesus because you showed up, shared truth, and stayed?

The Response

“The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned.” The gospel always demands a response. In Acts 17 some mocked, some delayed, some believed. That pattern continues. Our job is to preach faithfully because God is still saving.

A needed clarification: Jesus links belief and baptism because, in the early church, baptism followed faith quickly as the public sign of allegiance to Jesus. The contrast in the verse is between belief and unbelief. Scripture interprets Scripture: we are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone. The thief on the cross was saved without baptism. Therefore, baptism is not essential to salvation, but it is essential to obedience and growth. If belief is the root, baptism is the fruit. If you’ve believed but never been baptized, obey Jesus and publicly identify with Him.

Indecision is a decision. If you have not believed, today’s call is clear: turn to the risen Christ who died for your sins and lives to save.

The Validation

“These signs will accompany those who believe…” In Acts God confirmed the apostolic message with visible signs: languages understood, demons cast out, healings, even protection from a serpent so the gospel could be heard. Note the order: signs **follow** the preaching; believers do not **follow** signs. The point was not to showcase the minister but to authenticate the message. We do not stage miracles to prove ourselves. We preach Christ and expect God to bear witness as He wills. Wherever the church goes with the gospel, God goes with power. Lives change. Prayers are answered. People are healed. Sinners are saved. Our focus is the mission; God handles the validation.

So what now?

Jesus rebuked slow, stubborn hearts and then sent those same people to the nations. That is us. Ordinary, hesitant, often distracted. Yet entrusted with an extraordinary message and empowered by an unfailing Spirit. Wake up to the urgency. People you know need the gospel.

Two questions to act on this week:

• Who is the next person you will share the gospel with? Name them now.

• Who will you invite to follow Jesus with you? Identify one person to disciple.

Go. You do not go alone. The risen Christ is with you always. Take the mandate. Preach the message. Walk the method. Trust God for the validation.