Bible moment
The Bible moment
Matthew 28:16–20 describes the risen Jesus meeting the eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee. When they see him, they worship him, though some doubt. Jesus declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. He commands the disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He also tells them to teach people to obey everything he has commanded. Jesus concludes with the promise that he will be with them always, to the end of the age. This passage presents Jesus’ authority, the worldwide scope of the disciples’ mission, baptism, teaching, and his continuing presence. It does not describe the disciples carrying out the commission within this selection.
Look closely
What children can notice
Jesus teaches the disciples while a simple baptism symbol, such as water and a basin, appears nearby. A banner or open scroll may contain the phrase “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,” preserving the passage’s wording without adding an unrecorded baptism scene.
Talk together
Talk about it
- What did Jesus tell the disciples to do?
- What promise did Jesus give them?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Use this page when teaching the Great Commission or discussing baptism and discipleship. Invite children to notice the distinction between Jesus’ command and a specific baptism scene. Older children can discuss how “all nations” shows the wide reach of Jesus’ mission, while remembering that the passage does not list individual nations or explain how the disciples later fulfilled the commission.
Source note
From this passage
Matthew 28:19 · Jesus Sends His Disciples
Jesus teaches the disciples while a simple baptism symbol, such as water and a basin, appears nearby. A banner or open scroll may contain the phrase “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,” preserving the passage’s wording without adding an unrecorded baptism scene.
