What are You Supposed to Go and Do?

August, 2003

by: Sean Cullen

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gave a command to His disciples, (like us believers today), “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”

If we look at this passage grammatically, the main verb and emphasis of it is to “make disciples”. We are being commanded to go to all the nations and make disciples. As part of this, we are to baptize them and teach them, obviously, after their souls have been won to Christ. Now baptizing them suggests that a local church fellowship exists, where they also can be taught. What should they be taught? “…To observe all things that I have commanded you.”, which is the Word of God, and “all things” means the whole counsel of God.

Therefore, please keep in mind that our commission is not simply “to win souls.” It is to “make disciples” — which includes winning them, bringing them into a Christian fellowship, and building them up in the faith. A disciple is a learner, and he is to be taught. The local church is where he will be discipled, taught and built up.

Thus, a church that obeys the Great Commission of Matthew 28, is to make disciples, baptize and teach them the whole Word of God. As a member of His church, you have been commanded to go and make this happen. Don't just be a spectator as some are won to the Lord, but disciple them also with the whole Word of God.