Change Your World: Embracing the Great Commission
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to Club Redemption. Today, we embark on a new series titled "Change Your World." Reflecting on Life Magazine's issue of "100 People Who Changed The World," we see figures like Steve Jobs, Henry Ford, and Alexander the Great, who have left indelible marks on history. Yet, as Christians, we are called to a higher purpose: to change the world through the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.
In Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus gives His disciples the Great Commission, instructing them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe all His commands. This commission is not just for the original disciples but for all who follow Jesus. Despite feeling ordinary or overwhelmed by life's demands, we are called to be world changers.
Jesus' ministry provides a model for us. He often shared meals with people, using these moments to build relationships and share the message of God's love. In Luke 5, Jesus calls Levi (Matthew) and immediately shares a meal with him and other tax collectors, demonstrating acceptance and friendship. This simple act of sharing a meal can be a powerful tool for ministry.
We are encouraged to leverage our meals for the Kingdom of God. Whether it's lunch with a coworker or dinner with a neighbor, these moments can be opportunities to share the love of Christ. The goal is not just to eat but to build relationships that can lead to spiritual conversations and ultimately, to people experiencing the transformative power of Jesus.
Jesus, the ultimate world changer, left His throne in heaven to live among us, die for our sins, and rise again, offering us a place at God's eternal table. This invitation is open to all, but it requires a response. Accepting Jesus means securing a place at the future feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. Rejecting Him means missing out on this eternal fellowship.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Great Commission is for Everyone: Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations is not limited to the original disciples but extends to all who follow Him. This means that every Christian, regardless of how ordinary they may feel, is called to be a world changer. The authority of Jesus underpins this commission, making it a mandate for all believers. [06:43]
2. Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact: The original disciples were ordinary men with unremarkable backgrounds, yet Jesus entrusted them with the mission to change the world. This highlights that God can use anyone, regardless of their past or current circumstances, to accomplish His purposes. Our ordinariness does not disqualify us from being used by God in extraordinary ways. [07:49]
3. The Power of Sharing Meals: Jesus frequently used meals as a means to build relationships and share the message of God's love. Sharing a meal can be a simple yet profound way to connect with others, offering a setting for meaningful conversations and spiritual growth. This practice can be a powerful tool for ministry in our fast-paced, often disconnected world. [18:46]
4. Intentional Living for the Kingdom: Being intentional with our daily activities, such as sharing meals, can have a significant impact on the Kingdom of God. By leveraging everyday moments for spiritual purposes, we can fulfill the Great Commission in practical and accessible ways. This approach makes the mission of God more attainable and less daunting. [23:26]
5. The Eternal Invitation: Jesus offers an eternal invitation to sit at God's table, a place secured through His life, death, and resurrection. Accepting this invitation means experiencing eternal fellowship with God, while rejecting it results in missing out on this eternal joy. This underscores the importance of sharing the gospel and inviting others to accept Jesus' offer of salvation. [29:13]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:57] - Innovators and Inventors
[01:49] - Henry Ford's Vision
[02:34] - Leaders and Politicians
[03:52] - Feeling Underwhelmed
[05:06] - The Great Commission
[06:07] - The Miraculous Resurrection
[06:43] - Jesus' Authority
[07:17] - Ordinary Disciples
[08:21] - Continuous Mission
[09:21] - What is a Disciple?
[10:46] - The Significance of Baptism
[11:27] - Teaching the Whole Counsel
[12:22] - Disciples of All Nations
[13:34] - The Spread of the Gospel
[14:32] - Vision for Lakeland
[15:48] - Jesus' Ministry Model
[17:33] - Jesus' Mission
[18:46] - The Significance of Meals
[20:17] - Jesus' Meals in Luke
[21:36] - Overcomplicating the Mission
[22:26] - The Accusation Against Jesus
[23:26] - Leveraging Meals for the Kingdom
[25:30] - Practical Steps
[27:33] - Jesus, the Ultimate World Changer
[29:13] - The Eternal Invitation
[30:49] - The Importance of Eternity
[31:19] - Trusting Jesus
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Matthew 28:16-20
- Luke 5:27-32
### Observation Questions
1. What specific command does Jesus give to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20? [06:43]
2. How did Jesus use meals in His ministry according to Luke 5:29-32? [17:33]
3. What was the reaction of the Pharisees to Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners? [17:33]
4. How does Jesus describe His mission in Luke 5:31-32? [17:33]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose ordinary men to be His disciples and entrusted them with the Great Commission? [07:17]
2. How can sharing a meal be a powerful tool for ministry in today's fast-paced world? [18:46]
3. What does it mean to live intentionally for the Kingdom of God in your daily activities? [23:26]
4. How does the concept of the "eternal invitation" in Jesus' teachings impact our approach to evangelism? [29:13]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. How can you incorporate the practice of sharing meals with others to build relationships and share the love of Christ? [23:26]
2. Think of a coworker or neighbor you see regularly. How can you intentionally invite them to share a meal with you this week? [23:55]
3. Jesus used ordinary moments, like meals, to create extraordinary impact. What ordinary moments in your life can you leverage for the Kingdom of God? [18:46]
4. How can you overcome feelings of being "ordinary" or "underwhelmed" to embrace your calling as a world changer for Christ? [05:06]
5. Jesus' invitation to the eternal table is open to all. How can you share this invitation with someone in your life who has not yet accepted it? [29:13]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt accepted and valued during a meal. How can you create that same environment for others? [18:13]
7. What steps can you take to ensure that your interactions, especially during meals, are intentional and focused on building spiritual connections? [23:26]
Devotional
Day 1: The Great Commission is for Everyone
Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations is not limited to the original disciples but extends to all who follow Him. This means that every Christian, regardless of how ordinary they may feel, is called to be a world changer. The authority of Jesus underpins this commission, making it a mandate for all believers. [06:43]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "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 all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: Think of one person in your life who does not know Jesus. How can you intentionally build a relationship with them this week to share the love of Christ?
Day 2: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact
The original disciples were ordinary men with unremarkable backgrounds, yet Jesus entrusted them with the mission to change the world. This highlights that God can use anyone, regardless of their past or current circumstances, to accomplish His purposes. Our ordinariness does not disqualify us from being used by God in extraordinary ways. [07:49]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate or unqualified. How can you trust God to use you in your current situation to make an impact for His Kingdom?
Day 3: The Power of Sharing Meals
Jesus frequently used meals as a means to build relationships and share the message of God's love. Sharing a meal can be a simple yet profound way to connect with others, offering a setting for meaningful conversations and spiritual growth. This practice can be a powerful tool for ministry in our fast-paced, often disconnected world. [18:46]
Luke 5:29-32 (ESV): "And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, 'Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?' And Jesus answered them, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.'"
Reflection: Plan a meal with someone you don't know well or someone who may need encouragement. How can you use this time to build a deeper relationship and share the love of Christ?
Day 4: Intentional Living for the Kingdom
Being intentional with our daily activities, such as sharing meals, can have a significant impact on the Kingdom of God. By leveraging everyday moments for spiritual purposes, we can fulfill the Great Commission in practical and accessible ways. This approach makes the mission of God more attainable and less daunting. [23:26]
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV): "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: Identify one daily activity where you can be more intentional about sharing your faith. What specific steps can you take to make this activity a ministry opportunity?
Day 5: The Eternal Invitation
Jesus offers an eternal invitation to sit at God's table, a place secured through His life, death, and resurrection. Accepting this invitation means experiencing eternal fellowship with God, while rejecting it results in missing out on this eternal joy. This underscores the importance of sharing the gospel and inviting others to accept Jesus' offer of salvation. [29:13]
Revelation 19:9 (ESV): "And the angel said to me, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.' And he said to me, 'These are the true words of God.'"
Reflection: Reflect on your own acceptance of Jesus' invitation. How can you share this eternal invitation with someone in your life who has not yet accepted it?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you bear the name Jesus, like if you are a Christian, you have been called to change the world. No matter how underwhelming your life may feel like right now, we have this grand calling to change the world." [05:06] (16 seconds)
2. "Jesus is claiming to be king. That rules and reigns over everything. Including. Including me and you. That he is the one in a position. Of prominence. And of authority. So whatever he's about to say. It is a very clear commission. Not just to the 11 there. If he has all authority. This is for us as well." [07:49] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus is saying. As you're going. You're going to make disciples everywhere. You're going to make disciples in your workplace. In your neighborhood. On your team. You're going to make disciples. In your dorm rooms. You're going to make disciples. When you go out to eat. You're going to make disciples. Very clear command." [09:52] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus died for me. His death is my death. As they come out of the water. His life is my life. That is the defining feature of my life. His death and resurrection. Here in a few weeks. We are going to be baptizing. If you've never been baptized. After coming to faith in Jesus. I would say. Publicly identify yourself." [10:46] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There is nobody. Who has influenced and changed the world. Like Jesus. Not Steve Jobs. Not Henry Ford. Not Alexander the Great. They all pale in comparison. Because there is one name above all names. There is one king above all kings. There is one lord above all lords. And that is King Jesus." [28:11] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "A disciple is a learner or apprentice of Jesus. Meaning. They look at Jesus and go. The things that you've done. I want to do. I want to emulate. The things that you said. I want to obey. The way that you spoke to people. I want to speak to people like that. Literally for a disciple. They want to be conformed into the image of Jesus." [09:21] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We don't get to pick and choose. As Christians. Like what we don't want to talk about. And what we want to talk about. It's the whole council. Of the scripture. We're called to teach. The whole thing. From Genesis. To Revelation." [11:42] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus is constantly sharing a meal. Let me just show you. Luke 7. Jesus is eating at the home of a Pharisee. So he shared a meal with sinners and tax collectors. Then he shared a meal with the religious elite. And Luke 9. Jesus is teaching. There's thousands and thousands of people. 5,000 people. And what happens is. His disciples are like. Hey send them away. They need to go get food. And Jesus goes. No, no. We're about to share a big meal. And we're about to share it together." [20:17] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The son of man has come eating and drinking. This is Jesus speaking. And you say. This is what they said of him. This is the accusation they leveled. Look at him. A glutton and a drunkard. A friend of tax collectors and sinners. They're saying. You share way too many meals with people. You're always eating with people. And the worst of people. Sinners and tax collectors. Over and over and over again. One of the defining features. Of the ministry of Jesus was. He shared meals with people." [21:58] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you have never trusted Jesus. We are pleading with you. And imploring you. To trust him today. And today there can be a reservation. That is made. For this future feast. With your name at this place. To sit and to feast. With our savior and our king. We encourage you to trust Jesus." [31:19] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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