Discipleship Pathway: Jesus Sends His Disciples – Part 5

JESUS SENDS HIS DISCIPLES: LESSON 5

 

 

Learning Objective: To understand Jesus’ call to make disciples, explore the meaning of being sent, and apply the Great Commission in daily life, with an emphasis on personal action and spreading the Gospel to all nations.

  1. Introduction: The Disciple’s Journey
  • The disciples experienced a range of emotions, from sorrow during Jesus’ crucifixion to joy after His resurrection.
  • Before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave them the Great Commission, tasking them with continuing His mission on earth.
  1. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)
  • Jesus appeared to the 11 disciples in Galilee.
  • They worshiped Him, but some doubted.
  • Jesus declared, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18).
  • He commanded them to “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, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you”(Matthew 28:19-20a).
  • Jesus promised, “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b).

III. Breaking Down the Great Commission

  • For the Disciples the Great Commission marked a huge new normal for them because Jesus would not physically be with them.

 

  • A. The Authority of Jesus (v.18)
    • Jesus declared that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him.
    • This makes the Great Commission a command, not a suggestion.
    • Jesus’ authority means that when we go out to make disciples, we carry His power and credentials.
    • Philippians 2:9-11 speaks to God exalting Jesus and giving Him the name above every name.
    • Colossians 1:16-17 states that all things were created through and for Jesus, and in Him all things hold together.
  • B. The Command to Go (v.19-20a)
    • Jesus instructs His followers to make disciples of all nations.
    • This involves going, baptizing, and teaching.
    • Making disciples is an active mission that requires intentionality.
    • “Go” means actively participating in spreading the gospel and being open to traveling to spread the gospel, not necessarily abandoning current life.
    • Acts 1:8 states that believers will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes and will be witnesses.
    • Mark 16:15 commands to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation”.
    • 1. The Four Steps Broken Down
      • Go: Sow the seeds of the gospel through words and deeds.
      • Make Disciples: Help people respond to God through repentance.
      • Baptize Them: Help new disciples connect with the body of Christ through the public declaration of their faith.
      • Teach them to observe Jesus’ commands: Walk in partnership with new disciples to help them learn God’s Word, apply it, and begin making disciples themselves.
  • C. The Promise of His Presence (v.20b)
    • Jesus reassures His followers that He is with them always, to the end of the age.
    • He promised His presence through the Holy Spirit.
    • Knowing that Jesus is always with us can help fulfill His mission.
    • John 14:16-17 speaks of the Father sending another advocate, the Spirit of truth, to be with believers forever.
    • Hebrews 13:5 quotes God as saying, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you”.
  • The Great Commission has a geographical element: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations”.
    • A. Defining the regions
      • Jerusalem: includes family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
      • Judea: the larger community, including people in the county, state, and country.
      • Samaria: people who are around you but not like you.
      • The ends of the earth: International
  • We as believers have an Active Role in making Disciples
  • Think about those in your life who need to hear about Jesus.
  • Commit to praying for and reaching out to at least one person this week.
  • 2 Timothy 2:2 encourages entrusting the teachings to reliable people who can teach others.
  • 1 Peter 3:15 instructs believers to always be prepared to give an answer for their hope with gentleness and respect.
  • Romans 10:14-15 highlights the necessity of preaching for people to believe and call on the Lord.
  • Galatians 6:9-10 encourages doing good to all people, especially believers, and not growing weary.

 

 

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