Responding to the Great Commission November 22

Think About It … What was something you tried to teach someone else to do? How did you break the teaching into smaller steps that could be mastered along the way? How did you handle your pupil’s frustrations and failures? Today’s lesson focuses on the challenge that Jesus gave His followers - to help them reach others - to train others for His Kingdom work.

Listen for the response when the disciples met up with the risen Christ. Matthew 28:16 - 18 (NIV) Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. [17] When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. [18] Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Minister under Jesus Authority Where did the disciples gather? Why? What responses did Jesus’ appearance elicit? Why do you think some of the disciples doubted when they saw Christ? What causes Christians to doubt God today? How do you think you might have reacted to the appearance of the risen Christ?

Minister under Jesus Authority What does it mean to us that Jesus has “all authority”? Note the superlatives All authority (over all things) all heaven earth (everywhere) How did Jesus demonstrate that He held authority over all things?

Minister under Jesus Authority Why was it important to assure the disciples (and us) of His authority?  All of our ministry to others must be under His authority  Jesus has the authority to appoint believers as His messengers to those who need to hear the Gospel

Listen for Christ’s specific instructions. Matthew 28:19 – 20a (NIV) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

The Challenge of Reaching the World for Christ What is the purpose of the word “therefore” in verse 19? What activities were the disciples to be involved in? The concept of disciple in the first century is similar to our concept of apprentice. As His disciples, how should our lives reflect His philosophy and teachings?

The Challenge of Reaching the World for Christ Consider the words “therefore go” … a better way of saying this might be “as you are going” What are some places you are often “going” in your daily activities? Who do you know in the places above that need to hear about Christ or need to be discipled and taught about Christ? The Great Commission places a priority on both witnessing and discipling

Listen for a fantastic promise. Matt. 28:20b (NIV) And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Guarantee of Christ’s Presence With what words of comfort did Jesus leave His disciples? From what you know about the first-century church what difficulties did the apostles face? How would Jesus’ promise have encouraged His first century disciples? How can knowing that Jesus is always with us make a difference in our being disciples?

Application Pray that you will live each day as a witness to Christ. As you are going … Each day’s events can open up new opportunities to witness

Application Look for opportunities to reach and teach others Christ calls us to disciple others They in turn can be encouraged to disciple others This results in exponential growth of the kingdom

Application Pray that you will be able to set aside prejudices and share with all kinds of people Different ethnic groups Different social groups Different economic groups

Responding to the Great Commission November 22