CONNECT: How could you grow in your love for God and neighbour in 2022?

WARM-UP

1. What are the most memorable ‘final instructions’ that you have given or received before going away?
2. In what way are all disciples of Jesus disciple-making disciples? How are we all sent?

Read Matthew 28:16-20

1. What has happened up to this point in Matthew 28? What do you think the disciples were expecting to happen as they waited for Jesus?
2. What do the disciples do when they see Jesus? What does this tell us about who they thought Jesus was?
3. Is it surprising that - as a group - worship was intermingled with doubt? How can this be true for us?
4. How comprehensive is the authority that has been given to Jesus? Is there anyone with more?
5. How is Jesus’ authority the basis for being sent? How should this drive and give us confidence?
6. If our purpose as disciples comes from Jesus (i.e., from outside of us), how is this counter-cultural?
7. How is it exciting to know that we’ve been caught up in a purpose greater than ourselves?

(Re) Read Matthew 28:19-20

1. What do you think it means to make disciples, teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded?
2. In what area of your life has God been recently teaching you greater obedience?
3. What is the link between baptism and the making of disciples? How are we involved in this?
4. What are the frontlines to which Jesus has sent you? Can you name three people on your frontlines whom you long to become passionate followers of Jesus?
5. How are Christians sometimes in danger of turning the ‘Great Commission’ into the ‘Great Omission’?
6. How is it tremendous Good News that as we are sent, that Jesus is with us? How can we cultivate a life that is shaped by activity for Jesus and intimacy with Jesus?
7. If we are sent on the basis of Jesus’ authority and with his presence, what confidence should that give us as we seek to make disciples on our frontlines? How can this encourage you this week?

APPLY: Who are THREE people on your frontlines whom you long to become followers of Jesus? What would practically help you cultivate a habit of praying for them daily?

On Your Frontline This Week: What does it look like to prioritise Jesus on your frontline? What might you adopt, stop, or focus on this year?

Listen, Watch, and Read:          

• ARTICLE: “What is a Whole-Life Disciple?” by the London Institute of Christianity
• AUDIO: “The Authority of the Risen Lord” by John Stott
• AUDIO: “Why Jesus when there are so many options?” by Kanishka Raffel
• AUDIO: “The Resurrection and the Great Commission” by William Taylor
• BOOK: “The Radical Disciple” by John Stott

SERIES Resources:

• Series overview
• BOOK: “Resilient Disciples” by Rick Hill
• BOOK: “Need to Know” by Gary Millar
• ARTICLE: “What is a Whole-Life Disciple” by LICC (London Institute of Contemporary Christianity)