Critical Review
The author of the article “Globalization of Missions: An Exegesis on the Great
Commission (Mt.28:18-20)” focuses on a grammatical-historical approach to provide an
exegesis on Matthew 28:18-20. The passage examined is widely known as the Great
Commission. The article offers the thesis that Jesus’ authority on heaven and earth is global in
nature and that the commissioning of the eleven disciples to make disciples of all nations is an
international commission covering every part of the globe.
The article is divided into several segments. These include an introduction, the
theological context of Matthew 28:18-20, the Exegesis of the passage, the globalization of
mission, conclusion, and acknowledgments.
The author, Mookgo S. Kgatle, provides a solid theological exegesis of the passage using
the grammatical-historical approach, making an excellent case that the Great Commission is a
call to global evangelism and missions. Special emphasis is given to analyzing the word
“authority” and deciphering its meaning. Kgatle first offers a thorough introduction, noting that
the commission serves as a command for his disciples to pursue every type of mission work to
create more disciples, and ends with a strong conclusion that supports the thesis and introductory
statements.
2
Reflect, Analyze, and Apply
I appreciated how Kgatle took special care in his exegesis of the passage of Matthew
28:18-20. This passage is a favorite of mine because it is the church's central mission. Kgatle
states, “In fact, this passage (Mt. 28:18-20) functions as a support - even a command - allowing
Christians to legitimize almost every kind of missionary work in order to compel non-Christians
to become disciples of Jesus.”1 By following the Great Commission, we are fulfilling the Great
Commandment of Jesus in Mark 12:28-29, of loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and
strength and loving our neighbor as ourselves. We are loving God by doing as he commands. In
John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commands.” (English Standard
Version) It is a priority of mine to make the Great Commission central in my walk with Christ.
Kgatle further states, “This passage is an adequate model for a church missions program
in setting a vision, establishing purpose, and making decisions.”2 As a minister, much can be
said about applying the Great Commission within the church. It could serve as the rallying cry to
action locally and globally.
[1] Mookgo S. Kgatle, “Globalization of Missions: An Exegesis on the Great Commission (Mt. 28:18-20),”
In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi, 52. No.1 (11 July 2018), 1.
https://indieskriflig.org.za/index.php/skriflig/article/view/2346/5135
[2] Ibid., 2.
3
Kgatle observes, “Discipleship is not limited to what you can comprehend – it must
transcend all comprehension. It is a life of strict adherence and obedience to Christ and his
commandments. It is also a strict adherence to Christ as the object of our faith.”3 While such
strict adherence is vital, it is where we, as believers, find the most freedom. Yet, it is that
devotion to adhering to a life of obedience and to Christ as the object of our faith that marks the
true believer and follower of our Savior.
Conclusion
The article “Globalization of Missions: An Exegesis on the Great Commission
(Mt.28:18-20)” focuses on a grammatical-historical approach to provide an exegesis on Matthew
28:18-20, a passage widely known as the Great Commission. The Great Commission serves as
a call to global missions. Yet, it goes beyond simply working in the field of charity. It is a call to
obedience and faith as we work in the name of Jesus Christ. It involves being his disciple and
“involves diligent teaching of the Gospel and practices that promote a lifestyle of becoming ever
more like Jesus Christ.”4
[3] Mookgo S. Kgatle, “Globalization of Missions: An Exegesis on the Great Commission (Mt. 28:18-20),”
In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi, 52. No.1 (11 July 2018), 4.
https://indieskriflig.org.za/index.php/skriflig/article/view/2346/5135
[4] Ibid., 4.
