Matthew 28:16-20
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This is the third and final sermon in our Winter Warmers series: The Invitation of Jesus. This sermon is “Go for Me”.
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
Connect How could you respond to Jesus’ invitation and lay your burdens on him?
Warm-Up
- What do you do when you are feeling weary or worn-out? Has this been helpful?
- What does our culture suggest is the best antidote to weariness?
Read Matthew 28:16-20
- Who met Jesus on the mountain? What were the varying responses of the disciples?
- Is it surprising that - as a group - worship was intermingled with doubt? How can this be true for us?
- By what authority does Jesus’ commission the disciples? Is anything outside of Jesus’ authority?
- What difference does it make that we are commissioned by Jesus’ authority and not our own? How might that increase our confidence and courage?
- What does Jesus send his disciples to do? Which is the main action (hint: it is the second verb of v.19) and which are the supporting actions?
- Where were the disciples sent to follow Jesus’ commission? Was any place (or people) excluded?
- Where has Jesus sent you to make and mature disciples? What are your frontlines? Are there parts of your life that you don’t think are relevant to Jesus’ commission?
- How is the great commission a whole-of-life and life-long endeavour?
- What do you think it looks like in practice to teach disciples to obey everything that Jesus has commanded? Does this include them to be disciple-making disciples?
- Do we go alone? Who is with us?
- When has been a moment that Jesus’ presence and power has been a comfort to you? How is it a comfort to you today? How does it sustain us to continue on?
- What aspect of the great commission would you like to grow in?
- How could Jesus’ commission be reflected as a greater priority in your own life?
Apply Who are three people on your frontlines who you long to become followers of Jesus? How can you cultivate a habit of praying for them daily?
Prayer
Gracious God, thank you that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus! Please help us to identify disciple-making opportunities on all of our frontlines, that we would be excited to respond to Jesus’ invitation to go for him. Thank you that we do not do this alone, but with the very power of Jesus. Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Front Line this Week
How does following Jesus change your priorities? Try to share it with a friend this week.
For Families
- Download: some of the family resources to use at home: stbartskids.org
- Sing: Follow Me (Preschool Worship Song)
- Watch: “Peter Fishes for Men” by Crossroads Kids’ Club
Listen, Watch, and Read
- AUDIO: “The Authority of the Risen Lord” by John Stott
AUDIO: “Why Jesus when there are so many options?” by Kanishka Raffel
AUDIO: “The Marks of Mission” by Chris Wright
AUDIO: “The Great Commission: Conversation with Chris Wright” by Samford University
ARTICLE: “What is a Whole-Life Disciple?” by the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity
REPORT: “Australia’s Changing Spiritual Landscape” by McCrindle Research (2021)
Series Resources
- Read: “Deep Roots of Resilient Disciples” by Rick Hill (borrow from the library)
- Read: “The Radical Disciple” by John Stott (borrow from the library)
- Watch: “6M People” by LICC, short videos of people following Jesus on their frontlines as a cab driver, bridalwear designer, retiree, anaesthetist, plumber, new mother, business owner, and barista.
- Listen: “Invitations of Jesus” Series by All Souls Langham Place
- Invite another: “Introducing Jesus”, a 4-week series exploring Jesus’ life, message, death, and invitation.
