When Jesus spoke His final words to His disciples, He didn’t give them a vague suggestion or a gentle encouragement. He gave them a mission. In Matthew 28:16–20, often called the Great Commission, Jesus lays out the one imperative that should define the life of the church: “Go and make disciples of all nations.”

But what does that mean for us today? Let’s unpack this passage together.

1. Why Must We Make Disciples?

If you read Matthew 28 carefully, you’ll notice something striking: the only imperative in the passage is “make disciples.” Everything else—going, baptizing, teaching—is the how, not the why.

This matters because it shows us what the mission of the church is: not building programs, not social activism, not even religious activity for its own sake. The mission is to make disciples.

A disciple is someone who follows Jesus, learns from Him, and obeys His commands. And the command to make disciples is not optional. It’s the heartbeat of the church’s existence.

2. How Do We Make Disciples?

Jesus gives three verbs to guide us: go, baptize, and teach.

  • Go: Discipleship requires intentional movement. We can’t wait for people to come to us; we take the message to the world.

  • Baptize: Baptism marks the entry into a new life in Christ. It’s both a public declaration and a spiritual reality, grounding the disciple in the identity of Jesus.

  • Teach: True discipleship involves teaching obedience to all Jesus commanded—not just imparting information, but forming lives.

Notice that “go, baptize, and teach” are participles, not imperatives. That means they describe how we carry out the main command—to make disciples. They are the means, not the mission itself.

3. Why Can We Make Disciples?

Here’s the part we sometimes forget: Jesus promises His presence.

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

Discipleship is not a task we carry out in our own strength. It is empowered by the living Christ, who promises to be with us every step of the way. This assurance is both comforting and motivating. When we go, we don’t go alone. When we teach, we don’t teach by ourselves. When we baptize, it is Christ who makes it meaningful.

4. Living the Great Commission Today

So how does this look for us in everyday life?

  • At home: Teaching your children to know and obey Jesus

  • At work: Sharing the gospel in small, faithful ways

  • In your church: Mentoring, encouraging, and guiding others in Christ

The Great Commission isn’t just a biblical command—it’s a lifestyle. Every Christian is called to participate in making disciples, wherever God has placed them.

Conclusion

The mission of the church is clear: make disciples. And the tools Jesus gives us—going, baptizing, teaching—show us how to do it. The promise of His presence reminds us that we are not alone.

Jesus didn’t leave His disciples a suggestion; He left them a mission. And that mission continues today through each one of us.

Are you living on mission? Are you making disciples where God has placed you?

The call is urgent. The task is clear. And the Lord is with us—always.