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Devotional

Day 1: Prioritizing God's Call Over Convenience

A true disciple of Jesus is marked by their availability to God, showing up where He calls them to be. This availability is not just about physical presence but also about the willingness to prioritize God's call over personal convenience. Gathering with fellow believers is a vital expression of this commitment, providing strength, encouragement, and the opportunity to worship together. Being available to God means being ready to follow Him wherever He leads, demonstrating a heart that is open and responsive to His guidance.

Matthew 18:20 (ESV): "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can prioritize God's call over your own convenience this week? How can you make yourself more available to Him today?

Day 2: Worship as the Foundation of Discipleship

Worship is the cornerstone of discipleship, beginning with a deep awe and reverence for Jesus. It involves acknowledging His divinity and embracing Him as Savior and King. Worship fuels the mission to make disciples, serving as both the motivation and the goal. Even in moments of doubt and weakness, worship remains a testament to faith. True discipleship is characterized by a life of continuous worship, where every action is an act of reverence to God, reflecting a heart fully devoted to Him.

Psalm 95:6-7 (ESV): "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand."

Reflection: In what ways can you incorporate worship into your daily routine, turning ordinary moments into acts of reverence to God?

Day 3: Living Under Jesus' Authority

Surrendering to Jesus' authority means living a life fully aligned with His will. As His disciples, we are called to let Him lead, trusting His plans and participating eagerly in His purposes. This surrender is not a one-time event but a daily commitment to align our desires, decisions, and actions with His rule. Recognizing Jesus as the sovereign King over all, we find peace and purpose in submitting to His authority, knowing that His ways are higher than ours.

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Day 4: Embracing the Great Commission

The Great Commission is a direct command from Jesus, calling us to make disciples of all nations. This involves nurturing lifelong followers of Christ, teaching them to obey His commands. Discipleship is a long-term investment, requiring dedication and perseverance. Our effectiveness is measured not by how many we gather but by how many we send out to continue the mission. Obedience to this command is a defining mark of a true disciple, reflecting a heart committed to expanding God's kingdom.

2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."

Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you can invest in spiritually, helping them grow as a disciple of Jesus? What steps can you take this week to begin this journey with them?

Day 5: Relying on Jesus' Presence

Jesus promises to be with us always, providing the power and presence needed for the mission. This assurance transforms our approach to discipleship, as we are never alone in our efforts. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, Jesus' presence empowers us to make disciples. Leaning into this promise gives us confidence and courage, knowing that He is with us until the end of the age. Dependence on His presence is essential for fulfilling our calling as His disciples.

Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Reflection: How can you remind yourself of Jesus' presence in your daily life, especially in moments of doubt or fear? What practical steps can you take to lean into His promise of being with you always?

Sermon Summary

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In the final sermon of the series on the book of Matthew, we reflect on Jesus' last words before His ascension, which serve as a reality check for all believers. The sermon challenges us to examine whether we are truly disciples of Jesus, not just in name but in action and heart. Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations is not merely a mission statement but a mirror reflecting our commitment to Him. The sermon outlines the requirements and responsibilities of a disciple, emphasizing the importance of availability, worship, surrender to God's authority, obedience to His command, and reliance on His presence. It calls us to live lives that are fully devoted to making disciples, teaching them to obey Jesus, and trusting in His promise to be with us always.

Key Takeaways

1. time event but a daily commitment to let Him lead. It involves trusting His plans and participating eagerly in His purposes, knowing that He is the sovereign King over all.
4. Obedience to the Great Commission:
The command to make disciples is not optional; it is a direct order from Jesus. This involves going beyond mere conversions to nurturing lifelong followers of Christ. Discipleship is a long-term investment, requiring us to teach others to obey Jesus' commands. Our effectiveness is measured not by how many we gather but by how many we send out to continue the mission. Obedience to this command is a defining mark of a true disciple.

5. Dependence on Jesus' Presence:
Jesus promises to be with us always, providing the power and presence needed for the mission. This assurance transforms our approach to discipleship, as we are never alone in our efforts. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, Jesus' presence empowers us to make disciples. Leaning into this promise gives us confidence and courage, knowing that He is with us until the end of the age. This dependence on His presence is essential for fulfilling our calling as His disciples.

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide**

**Bible Reading:**
- Matthew 28:16-20
- Romans 12:1

**Observation Questions:**

What specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples in Matthew 28:16-20?
How did the disciples respond when they saw Jesus, according to Matthew 28:17?
What does Jesus claim about His authority in Matthew 28:18?
What promise does Jesus make to His disciples at the end of Matthew 28:20?

**Interpretation Questions:**

Why is the concept of availability to God emphasized as a requirement for discipleship in the sermon?
How does worship serve as both the motivation and goal for making disciples, according to the sermon?
What does it mean to surrender to Jesus' authority, and how is this reflected in a disciple's life?
How does the promise of Jesus' presence impact the way disciples carry out the Great Commission?

**Application Questions:**

Reflect on your current availability to God. Are there areas in your life where convenience is prioritized over His call? How can you adjust your schedule to be more available for God's purposes?
Worship is described as standing in awe of Jesus. How can you cultivate a heart of worship in your daily life, even in moments of doubt or weakness?
Surrendering to Jesus' authority is a daily commitment. What specific areas of your life do you find difficult to surrender to His rule, and what steps can you take to align them with His will?
The Great Commission is a command, not a suggestion. Identify one person in your life who you can begin to disciple. What practical steps can you take this week to start that journey?
Jesus promises to be with us always. How does this assurance change your approach to challenges in your family, workplace, or community? Share a specific situation where you can lean on His presence for strength.
Romans 12:1 calls us to present ourselves as living sacrifices. What does this look like in your everyday life, and how can you make your actions a continuous act of worship?
Consider the role of doubt in your faith journey. How can you show up and worship even when your faith feels fragile, and who can you reach out to for support in those times?

Sermon Quotes

"Last words are important. Maybe even the most important. Are we really who we say we are? Are we really doing what we think we are doing?"

"This passage isn’t just the church’s mission statement—it’s a mirror. And today, I pray that we will look into this mirror honestly, prayerfully, and personally."

"Have you ever asked yourself—not just in passing, but deep down—'Am I really a disciple of Jesus?' Not, 'Do I go to church?' or 'Do I believe in God?' but something deeper than that: 'Am I following Him with my life?'"

"For disciples of Jesus, worship isn’t optional. They were standing in awe of Jesus. That’s what worship is."

"The mission of making disciples doesn’t start with going; it starts with bowing in worship. Worship is the fuel for disciple making."

"The risen Jesus doesn’t ask permission, He claims authority. He says, 'I am in charge of everything.'"

"Going and making disciples isn’t a suggestion from Jesus. It’s a summons from Jesus. It’s a command."

"The church exists to send, not to sit. The command is to go and make disciples, and true disciples obey that command."

"A disciple lives in the presence of Jesus. The presence of Jesus provides the power for the mission of Jesus."

"If you are a disciple of Jesus, there will never be another moment in your life that Jesus will not be with you. From now until He comes – He is with you."

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