The Great Commission

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Describe a time in your life when you accomplished something that was a real challenge to finish. How did you feel?

Cultivate

Summary: Jesus has commanded us to, “go make disciples of all nations." Jesus gave this great commission to a community who would work together and join God to help others know Jesus, follow him and make more disciples. God wants us to accept the greatest challenge ever given by the greatest person who ever lived.

Read Matthew 28:18-20 and ask the following questions:

1. What do you like about this passage?

2. What do you find uncomfortable or difficult to understand in this passage?

3. What appears to be the main idea emphasized in this passage? (Look for repeated words or ideas.)

Consider how the following passages increase our understanding of this topic:

Read Matthew 22:35-40.

• What are the two greatest commandments?
• Why is it so important to live these out as we seek to fulfill the mission of Jesus?

Read Acts 1:8. (Jesus speaking)

• What disciple-making component is discussed in the second half of this verse?
• How can we train people in this aspect of disciple-making?

Read 2 Timothy 2:2.

• What is the apostle Paul expecting Timothy to do with the things he has heard?
• What two qualities should Timothy look for in potential disciples?

Read John 20:21.

• Do you consider yourself to be someone sent on mission by God?
• How do you feel about Jesus’ challenge to be involved in his great commission?
• What is your response to his challenge?

4. What are the beliefs and values promoted in these passages?

5. What do they reveal about our human condition and God’s response?

6. How are these beliefs and values similar or different from those that have influenced you? (such as your family, culture, peers, church, etc.)

7. How might our faith increase and our lives change as we embrace what is true and important?

8. In light of what we’ve discussed, how can we pray for each other right now?

Care

Since we last met, what happened as a result of expressing Christ’s love to others?

How can you, or we, express Christ’s love to others this week?

Here are a few ideas:

• Pray God would meet their deepest needs.
• Help meet a felt need they have.
• Encourage them with a text, note or verbally.
• Give them a thoughtful gift or buy them coffee.
• Invite them to do something fun or meaningful.
• Listen to their story.
• Explore their thoughts on the gospel.