The first point is that we are to go and make disciples. The word for “Go” means as you are going. In other words, as you walk with the Lord as a believer you are to make disciples. Note that Jesus does not say make converts. We are to share our faith as we walk with Him, but we are not to stop at sharing. We are to lead people to Christ and then help them get to know Him more intimately. We do this by living life with other believers, walking in the Lord together. The second thing we are to do as we lead people to the Lord is to encourage immediate baptism as an act of obedience. Baptism is a declaration to others that we are followers of Christ. Baptism is the outward expression of the inward devotion made to Jesus. In baptism, believers identify with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. The third point of the Great Commission is teaching. This involves spending time with the new believers in the study and memorization of God’s Word, teaching them to pray and intercede for others by praying with them, and then teaching them to serve intentionally by serving together. This teaching develops disciple makers so that they, in turn, do the same for others. Finally, note how Jesus ends the Great Commission with the promise of His presence throughout this process. Our Savior never has us acting alone. He is always with us, performing His mission through His children.
