• All Sites:
  • Pastors
  • Leadership
  • Kids Ministry
  • Student Ministry
  • Groups Ministry
  • Women's Ministry
  • Worship Ministry
Lifeway

Group Ministry

Conversations on Group Practices

  • Blog
  • Podcast
  • Bible Study Insider
  • Groups Resources
  • Free Bible Teaching
Friday Features
January 19, 2018

Know The Story

By Group Ministry

Jesus’ earliest disciples experienced a roller-coaster ride during the final weeks of His public ministry. First, Jesus’ death on the cross sent them into confusion and deep despair. Second, His resurrection lifted them back into the clouds of joy. Finally, His ascension ushered in the sobering reality that the disciples would continue carrying out Jesus’ mission without His physical presence and leadership.

Before Jesus returned to heaven, however, He gathered His remaining followers in order to summarize the mission for His disciples and deliver final instructions. Today we refer to Jesus’ final words as the Great Commission.

“16 The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

MATTHEW 28:16-20

What are your first reactions to these verses? Why?

In what ways has this commission been carried out in the centuries since Jesus sent His earliest disciples?

In what ways is Jesus’ commission still incomplete?

The Great Commission summarized Jesus’ mission not only for His earliest disciples, but for all of the disciples who have joined the ranks of His followers throughout history—including you. We’ll conclude this study by taking a close look at Jesus’ commission and command for those who choose to follow Him.

JESUS TELLS US WHERE TO GO

The first thing to highlight about Jesus’ statements in these verses is His claim to authority. Why is it important that “all authority has been given to [Jesus] in heaven and on earth”? Because His Great Commission is a series of commands. He is ordering us to obey Him. Therefore, He first wanted to state clearly that He carries the authority to do so.

What does it mean to recognize Jesus’ authority in our lives?

Next, the Great Commission has a geographical connection. Jesus commanded us to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” Notice that Jesus’ command is active rather than passive. He didn’t command His disciples to think about the world. He didn’t ask His followers to say nice things about different people groups. Jesus commanded His disciples to “Go.”

This doesn’t mean all Christians should abandon their jobs, leave their families, and serve as international missionaries. However, it does mean all Christians should take an active role in spreading the gospel throughout the world—and it certainly means we should be open to the possibility of physically traveling to other places to spread the gospel.

How would you describe your experiences with missions?

Notice also that Jesus’ command involves “all nations.” Jesus died for the sins of all people, which means the gospel has power for every tribe and nationality across the world. We cannot forget that Jesus has commanded us, His disciples, to proclaim the gospel message to all who need to hear it.

To ignore the spiritual needs of people outside our own country is to disobey the Great Commission and ignore what Christ has commanded.

Volume 1, Session 12 excerpt from Disciples Path: The Journey

You may also like -

  • For the Sake of the GospelFor the Sake of the Gospel
  • Derwin Gray on Making PeaceDerwin Gray on Making Peace
  • Jesus: The Servant in a Time of SufferingJesus: The Servant in a Time of Suffering

Filed Under: Friday Features Tagged With: Bible Study, Curriculum, Discipleship, Excerpts, Ministry

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Group Ministry

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

previous arrow
next arrow
Slider

Subscribe to Podcast

Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsAndroidby EmailRSS

Follow Group Ministry on Instagram

…

Follow Group Ministry on Facebook

Follow Group Ministry on Facebook

All Ministry Sites

Leadership
Kids Ministry
Student Ministry
Groups Ministry
Women’s Ministry
Worship Ministry

Digital Resources

Ministry Grid
Lifeway Worship
Digital Church
KidEvent Pro
MyCurriculum Manager
Simulcast Manager
Lifeway Reader eBooks
Generosity
WORDsearch
SmallGroup.com

Lifeway Network

Lifeway Research
B&H

Copyright © 2021 · Lifeway Christian Resources · All Rights Reserved