Jesus framed future Christianity in terms of the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16) and faithful disciples who teach the next disciples to obey “all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20).
Some of Jesus’ earlier commands had been temporary (Matthew 21:2; 26:18-19; Luke 10:4; 22:35-36). Knowing that, as Jesus and His apostles certainly did, He evidently meant all enduring and universal commands. Even then, we should not be simplistic. Think about the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus uses direct commands (imperatives) but also uses other expressions such as conditions (Luke 13:3) and blessings or beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). While not an imperative, strictly speaking, Matthew 5:3 expresses God’s will as much as an imperative. When the Master clearly shows His will, that fits the scope and intent of the Great Commission. Poverty of spirit is necessary for entering the kingdom (Luke 18:14-17). It is a kingdom value to be perpetuated from disciple to disciple. “Humble yourselves before the Lord!” (James 4:10)