The Gospel according to Matthew ends with what as known as the Great Commission.

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 (Mat 28:19-20).

Go

In this passage Jesus gives the church its marching orders. We are to go into every part of the world. The Book of Acts records a further command of Jesus on the subject.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Act 1:8).

Make Disciples

Our purpose is to make disciples. A disciple is a follower. After people respond to the gospel and are converted, they are to become disciples of Jesus. Jesus said "Learn of Me."

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light (Mat 11:29-30).

Every Nation

In doing so we are to take the message of Jesus to every nation. The message of Christ is for the entire world. This had previously been announced to Mary before Jesus was born.

But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord (Luk 2:10-11).

Trinitarian Baptism

Once they have believed in Jesus the first immediate step is water baptism. The formula given by Jesus is Trinitarian: in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

This is the great commission, something that all believers are charged with fulfilling.

How to Fulfill

Now that we have an understanding of the great commission we need to address the question of what part we can do to help fulfill it.

Order Priorities

Our life must be lived with eternity in view. As the simple poem goes,

Only one life will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last.

Power of Holy Spirit

We must move in the power of the Holy Spirit.

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me (Act 1:8).

Leading people to Christ is a work of the Holy Spirit. It is not something that can be done in our own strength.

Summary

The Great Commission consists in making disciples in every nation. To be able to accomplish this, people need to go in the power of the Holy Spirit and to order their priorities.