Answer
In Matthew 28:19–20, Jesus bestows excellent honor upon His disciples, commanding them, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (NKJV). This passage is commonly known as the Great Commission. The specific call to “teach them to observe all things” underscores the importance of conveying knowledge and guiding new believers to trust and obey Christ.
The primary directive in the Great Commission is to make disciples. Discipleship is not merely about transferring information or doctrine; it is about shaping lives to reflect the character of Jesus. In John 8:31–32, Jesus says, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (ESV). True discipleship involves abiding in Jesus’ word, which requires not only understanding but practicing His teachings. Therefore, when Jesus instructs His disciples to teach others to observe all things, He calls them to nurture a way of life that follows His instructions.
The “all things” that Jesus commands to be taught are the entirety of His doctrine. In teaching others to “observe all things,” the disciples would relay the importance of following the rule of Christ. Jesus did not give His disciples a limited set of instructions but a complete way of life. “Godliness has value for all things” (1 Timothy 4:8). By instructing His disciples to teach others to observe all things, Jesus ensures that His disciples will live out the fullness of His teachings, embracing all aspects of the Christian life.
“Teaching” in the context of the Great Commission is not a one-time event but an ongoing relationship in which the teacher guides the learner in understanding and applying Jesus’ commands. Paul’s relationship with Timothy is a prime example of this kind of discipleship. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul writes, “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (ESV). Paul’s instruction to Timothy illustrates the importance of passing on teachings in a way that enables others to teach and live them out as well. “Teaching them to observe all things” involves a cycle of discipleship. Each generation of believers is to be equipped to live out and pass on the teachings of Christ. The result is a spiritual family that transcends time and space.
In Ephesians 4:11–13, Paul explains that Christ gave the church “apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (ESV). Again in this passage we see that teaching is essential for equipping believers to grow to maturity. “Teaching them to observe all things” ensures that believers are aware of Christ’s teachings and grow in their ability to live them out.
Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:20 conclude with a promise: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (ESV). Jesus guides and empowers us to teach others. Therefore, teaching is part of the larger mission of preparing believers for the return of Christ. In 1 John 2:28, John encourages believers, “And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming” (ESV). Teaching others to observe all Jesus commanded is part of abiding in Him, ensuring believers are ready to meet Him when He returns.
