And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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; and lo, I am with you always, [even] to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV)
The mission – the task entrusted to us is to make disciples of all nations. A disciple is a student who studies and trains until he is as good as his teacher. He is a follower of his master in thought, discipline and practice. Jesus told us that we are to carry our own cross and follow Him.
The cross is separation from the world – the system of selfishness (self-preoccupation self-gratification and self-preservation).
Galatians 6:14(NIV) May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Having become followers of Christ Jesus our Lord in thought, discipline, and practice we then go out to bring others to this life – the Christ life.
The commission is the authorization or empowerment to baptize converts in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things commanded us.
The baptizing meant here is much more and deeper than immersion in water. It’s the immersion or getting someone rooted, grounded and established in this Life of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
When a man and a woman get married they enter into sharing the same life. This is symbolized by sharing the same name where the wife adopts her husband’s last name. Likewise, to be baptized in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit we are sharing and participating in the Life of the Godhead. Practically this is experienced over time through teaching of the Word. This is the same in marriage. Just because a woman and man are married and share a name doesn’t guarantee automatic practical oneness and sharing of all things. It takes time spent in daily spiritual, emotional, and physical intimate interaction. After we bring people into the kingdom of God we are then to help them continue in the Word of Christ which makes them His true disciples. It’s then that they know the truth and live free as sons of God, free as Christ Himself-see John 8:31, 32