Conclusion
The introduction of this book opens with an audacious claim: “The change we desire to see in the world lies on the other side of conversations that still need to be had. Every great revolution can be traced back to a single individual bold enough to engage the culture and reveal a different way of doing things.” I am confident in this statement because meaningful communication lies at the very heart of the mission Jesus gave us after His resurrection:
“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20 ESV).
Jesus, the great Wordsmith—the One who spoke the universe into existence, communicated through the prophets for centuries, and transformed countless lives through His in-person sermons during His 33 years on earth—is now telling His disciples (including you and me) that our mission is to be wordsmiths for a broken world. The closing chapters of this book have examined the Last Supper, the Farewell Discourse, and what is often called the Agony in the Garden (Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane). Our final moments together will revolve around what is famously known as “The Great Commission.” Contained within this clarion call to embody The Way of the Wordsmith, there are four essential elements we will review together: 1) The Doubters, 2) The Authority, 3) The Command, and 4) The Promise.
1) The Doubters
Consider this for a moment—even after Jesus defeated death, placing the stamp of proof on the claims He had been making for three years, there were still some who doubted. This observation should give hope to at least two groups of people: those who doubt and those who are doubted. For those who have read this book and still remain uncertain about the Gospel message, be comforted by the reality that God is not afraid of your doubts. He loves you, and if you remain open to Him, His Spirit can reveal truth to you in a way no person ever could. For those who do believe but face opposition from doubters as you try to share with them, know that you are in good company. Your responsibility is faithfulness, not fruitfulness. Faithfully share His message and let Him take care of the results.
2) The Authority
Jesus makes a profound declaration to those who chose to worship Him on the mountain: “…All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18b ESV). What an incredible statement. Jesus—the baby born in a no-name town to no-name parents—is declaring that He has authority over heaven and earth. Even more profound, as Christians, this authority has been entrusted to us as His ambassadors on earth. This does not mean that we are gods or goddesses—not even in the slightest—but it brings to mind the role of a king’s messenger in medieval times. While the messenger is not the king, his words hold authority because he carries the seal of the kingdom. Similarly, we have been sealed with the blood of Jesus Christ and are His body on earth. When we declare the words of God, we are speaking on behalf of the King of kings!
3) The Command
What exactly has Jesus commanded us to do?: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19–20a ESV). As representatives equipped with Jesus’ authority, we are called to Go, Make Disciples, Baptize, and Teach. While “going” might seem like an obvious first step, it is worth highlighting because it directly challenges the complacency often found in our comfort-driven culture. If there is a conversation that needs to happen, then go and have it—trusting that disciples will be made through your choice to surrender. The pursuit of discipleship in a healthy church community will lead to baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, serving as a public declaration of an internal decision to follow Jesus. Baptism is not the conclusion; it is the beginning of a life devoted to learning and teaching God’s precious Word.
4) The Promise
The life of the wordsmith—one who takes Jesus’ command seriously and lives on mission to share the Gospel—can be both lonely and scary. However, in the midst of the uncertainty we will face, we are given an incredible promise from Jesus:
“…And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b ESV).
Imagine this for a moment—God, the One who holds everything in His hands and has the power to create and destroy with nothing but His words, promises that He is always with you, no matter what. When you face discouragement from doubters, question the authority you have been given, or feel overwhelmed by the command to go, make disciples, baptize, and teach—do not lose sight of the promise that enables us to endure: He is with you, no matter what.
Conclusion: The Choice Is Yours
As we conclude The Way of the Wordsmith, we are reminded that the call to engage culture through meaningful conversations is not merely a suggestion—it is a command from God Himself. The Great Commission invites every follower of Jesus, even those who still wrestle with doubt, to step forward with courage and purpose. In some of His final words on earth, Jesus did not disqualify the doubters; rather, He entrusted them with divine authority and a global mission. That same authority empowers us today to speak truth in love, to teach faithfully, and to live out the message we proclaim. The command is clear: go, make disciples, baptize, and teach—not in your own strength, but under the banner of the One who holds all authority in heaven and on earth. As we “go,” we are promised His presence—constant, comforting, and unshakable.
So now, the question remains: What conversations are you being called to have, and how will you embody The Way of the Wordsmith to the hurting people in your world?
