In Matthew 28:18-20 we find what is typically referred to as "The Great Commission." Here it is:

¹⁹Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

This passage is typically divided into go, makes disciples, baptize them, and teach them. A word study, however, of the passage shows that it literally says to make disciples "as you are going." It is not that we go, and then we make disciples. We are constantly making disciples as we are going--just as Jesus did.

Disciples are made by baptizing them and teaching them to obey all of Christ's commands. Two things should be noted about this. Disciples are baptized into the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit--and the missio Dei concept has shown us that mission is a fundamental part of who God is. Thus, to be baptized into this trinitarian reality is to be baptized into a missionary God, who sends his people out on mission, just as the Father sent them Son and the Son sends us (Jn. 20:21). 

Second, teaching to obey Christ's commands should not be read through our experience of teaching. This was not a classroom, it was a way of life. And this teaching must be placed in the context of Matthew and go back to the original call of the disciples: ¹⁹ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” The Great Commission is a call for us to make disciples who make disciples who reach out to others by "fishing for people." It is teaching and training for mission!

How do you see the Great Commission?