Matthew 28:18-20 records Jesus' own words to his disciples, a directive that has been coined the Great Commission "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
Our Lord's "marching orders" have literally changed the world. Since the hour these words were spoken the Church has been a vibrant light of the gospel around the world, touching and transforming countless lives with the Good News of salvation.Our task is simple. It is to help spread and establish the Kingdom of God on the earth through the clear proclamation of the gospel, whether in preaching or in personal evangelism.
What is the most important thing that ever happened to you? If you are a believer you will assuredly agree it was becoming a Christian. Then what is the most important thing you can do for someone else? It is to help him or her become a Christian. Living for what's important is what the Great Commission is all about.
We must be clear, however, that our role is not to make converts only but "disciples." The Greek word translated disciples is machetes, which means "a learner." It suggests a person who stands in relation to a teacher and is instructed by that person. We are to teach people "everything" Jesus taught. A job of this nature certainly requires the ongoing direction of the Holy Spirit, as we commit ourselves to prayer.