Embracing Our Responsibility to Lead Others to Jesus
Summary
This morning, I want to talk about the incredible responsibility and privilege that Jesus has given us as His followers. We all have leadership roles in our lives, whether we realize it or not. Whether you're working at a desk, hanging drywall, delivering packages, staying at home with kids, or coaching a middle school girls' basketball team, you have influence. And with that influence comes the responsibility to lead others towards Jesus. [31:18]
When I was 15, I remember the excitement and nervousness of getting my temporary driver's permit. I had studied the Ohio Driver's Manual more than any other subject in school. The day I passed the test, my dad tossed me the keys and said, "Your turn." That moment was a mix of pure joy and the weight of responsibility. I was now responsible for where we went and how we got there. This is similar to the responsibility Jesus gave His disciples when He left them to continue His work. [34:06]
The disciples had followed Jesus for three and a half years, witnessing His miracles, teachings, and ultimately His resurrection. They were amazed and overjoyed when Jesus defeated death. But then, Jesus left them with a purpose. He ascended back to the Father, leaving the disciples with the mission to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe all that He had commanded. This was a monumental task, and the disciples must have felt a mix of excitement and fear. [36:06]
Jesus didn't leave them without guidance. He promised to send the Holy Spirit to help them. He reminded them that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him, and He would be with them always, to the end of the age. This assurance was crucial because the mission was not dependent on their abilities but on His power and presence. [45:33]
The disciples were not perfect. They had failed Jesus, doubted Him, and abandoned Him at times. Yet, Jesus entrusted them with the mission of spreading His message. This is a powerful reminder that God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called. He uses what the world perceives as weak or foolish to bring about His purposes and challenge the wisdom of the world. [43:18]
Jesus' command to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them was not about specific methods or church programs. It was about passing along everything He had given them and allowing them to figure out the best ways to do it. This flexibility has allowed the church to adapt and grow throughout history. The core mission remains the same: to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to observe all that Jesus commanded. [52:23]
Following Jesus is not just a personal, private relationship. It is a communal experience. We are connected to a family, a church, and a community. Baptism is a public declaration of our commitment to Jesus, symbolizing that we have died to ourselves and are now living for Him. It is an act of obedience and a way to let the world know that we are all in on Jesus. [50:28]
Jesus left His disciples with an incredible gift, responsibility, and purpose. This has been passed down from generation to generation, and now it is our turn. We are called to share Jesus with our world, to make disciples, and to baptize them. This is not something to be taken lightly. It is a privilege and a responsibility that we should embrace with humility, excitement, and engagement. [54:47]
Key Takeaways:
1. Leadership and Responsibility: Every one of us has a leadership role in our lives, whether we realize it or not. With that influence comes the responsibility to lead others towards Jesus. Just as I felt the weight of responsibility when my dad tossed me the car keys, we should feel the gravity of the mission Jesus has given us. [31:18]
2. The Disciples' Journey: The disciples experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, from witnessing Jesus' miracles to mourning His death, and then rejoicing in His resurrection. When Jesus left them with the mission to make disciples, they must have felt both excitement and fear. This reminds us that following Jesus involves both joy and responsibility. [36:06]
3. God's Power and Presence: Jesus assured His disciples that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him and that He would be with them always. This mission is not dependent on our abilities but on His power and presence. We can take comfort in knowing that Jesus is with us as we fulfill His mission. [45:33]
4. God Qualifies the Called: The disciples were not perfect; they had failed and doubted Jesus. Yet, He entrusted them with the mission of spreading His message. This teaches us that God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called. He uses what the world perceives as weak or foolish to bring about His purposes. [43:18]
5. Communal Faith and Baptism: Following Jesus is not just a personal, private relationship. It is a communal experience. Baptism is a public declaration of our commitment to Jesus, symbolizing that we have died to ourselves and are now living for Him. It is an act of obedience and a way to let the world know that we are all in on Jesus. [50:28]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:18] - Leadership and Responsibility
[34:06] - The Disciples' Journey
[36:06] - Jesus' Ascension and Mission
[43:18] - God Qualifies the Called
[45:33] - God's Power and Presence
[50:28] - Communal Faith and Baptism
[52:23] - Flexibility in Mission
[54:47] - Our Turn to Share Jesus
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV)
> Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.”
2. Acts 1:8-9 (ESV)
> But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
3. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (ESV)
> For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 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.
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus command His disciples to do in Matthew 28:19-20?
2. How did Jesus assure His disciples of His presence and authority in Matthew 28:18 and 20?
3. According to Acts 1:8, what will the disciples receive, and what will they become?
4. How does 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 describe the type of people God chooses to fulfill His purposes?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him before giving the Great Commission? [41:17]
2. How might the disciples have felt when Jesus ascended and left them with the mission to make disciples of all nations? [36:53]
3. What does it mean that God chooses what is foolish and weak in the world to shame the wise and strong? How does this apply to the disciples' mission? [43:45]
4. How does the promise of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:8 empower the disciples for their mission?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt both excitement and the weight of responsibility, similar to the pastor's story about getting his driver's permit. How did you handle that situation? [34:06]
2. Jesus left His disciples with a mission and the promise of His presence. How does knowing that Jesus is with you always impact your approach to sharing your faith? [45:33]
3. The sermon mentioned that God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called. How does this truth encourage you in your current leadership roles or responsibilities? [43:18]
4. Baptism is described as a public declaration of our commitment to Jesus. Have you been baptized? If so, how did it impact your faith journey? If not, what might be holding you back? [50:28]
5. The pastor emphasized that following Jesus is a communal experience. How can you engage more deeply with your church community to grow in your faith and support others? [49:56]
6. Identify one person in your life who does not know Jesus. What specific steps can you take this week to share your faith with them? [55:31]
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of adapting and finding the best ways to fulfill Jesus' mission. What new methods or approaches can you try in your personal ministry or church involvement to make disciples more effectively? [52:23]
Devotional
Day 1: The Weight of Influence
Every one of us has a leadership role in our lives, whether we realize it or not. With that influence comes the responsibility to lead others towards Jesus. Just as one might feel the weight of responsibility when handed the car keys for the first time, we should feel the gravity of the mission Jesus has given us. This mission is not just for pastors or church leaders; it is for everyone who follows Jesus. Whether you are at work, at home, or in your community, you have the opportunity to influence others and point them towards Christ. [31:18]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: Think about the different roles you play in your daily life. How can you use your influence in these areas to lead others towards Jesus today?
Day 2: The Rollercoaster of Discipleship
The disciples experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, from witnessing Jesus' miracles to mourning His death, and then rejoicing in His resurrection. When Jesus left them with the mission to make disciples, they must have felt both excitement and fear. This reminds us that following Jesus involves both joy and responsibility. The journey of discipleship is not always easy, but it is filled with purpose and meaning. As we navigate the highs and lows, we can trust that Jesus is with us, guiding and empowering us to fulfill His mission. [36:06]
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: Reflect on a recent challenge or joy you experienced in your walk with Jesus. How did it shape your understanding of your role as His disciple?
Day 3: Empowered by His Presence
Jesus assured His disciples that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him and that He would be with them always. This mission is not dependent on our abilities but on His power and presence. We can take comfort in knowing that Jesus is with us as we fulfill His mission. This assurance allows us to step out in faith, knowing that we are not alone. The Holy Spirit empowers us to do what we cannot do on our own, giving us the strength and wisdom to carry out the Great Commission. [45:33]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on Jesus' power and presence? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you today?
Day 4: God Qualifies the Called
The disciples were not perfect; they had failed and doubted Jesus. Yet, He entrusted them with the mission of spreading His message. This teaches us that God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called. He uses what the world perceives as weak or foolish to bring about His purposes. This is a powerful reminder that our past mistakes and shortcomings do not disqualify us from being used by God. Instead, He transforms us and equips us to fulfill His purposes. [43:18]
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 did God use that experience to grow you and accomplish His purposes?
Day 5: The Communal Nature of Faith
Following Jesus is not just a personal, private relationship. It is a communal experience. Baptism is a public declaration of our commitment to Jesus, symbolizing that we have died to ourselves and are now living for Him. It is an act of obedience and a way to let the world know that we are all in on Jesus. Being part of a community of believers provides support, accountability, and encouragement as we live out our faith together. [50:28]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in your faith community this week? What steps can you take to publicly declare your commitment to Jesus and encourage others in their walk with Him?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "It is not good enough to have your own private relationship with Jesus. It is not good enough to just be here on a Sunday. It is not good enough to only be connected with people in the safety of your faith bubble. We are called to extend beyond that, to get outside of our comfort zones and share Jesus with people that we rub shoulders with, people who look, act, and think differently than we do. And we're called to do it by loving like Jesus loved." [56:20]
2. "Jesus gave you and me the awesome responsibility of sharing him with our best friends, our odd neighbor, our annoying coworker, the parents of our kids' friends, and so many more people that God has placed directly in your life. What are you going to do with it? Are you going to share Jesus with someone else?" [57:08]
3. "Following Jesus produces change inside of us. And there's a radical difference that occurs inside of us. Paul says that we are a new creature and that the old version of who we are is dead. And baptism is this beautiful moment marker where we tell the world we're no longer about ourselves or anything else. But man, we are all about Jesus. That we have died. We have died to ourselves. And we have aligned who we are with the God of the universe. And that it is about him and what he wants." [51:04]
4. "A disciple is somebody who follows Jesus, is being changed by Jesus, and is committed to the mission of Jesus. See, that's exactly what these guys experienced. For three and a half years, they followed Jesus, watching, discussing, learning, and trying things with him. And as a result of being with Jesus, it changed them. Parts of them probably changed overnight. Other parts, it took a long time to work on, and if we're being honest, there's probably parts of them that are still being worked on even after Jesus leaves." [48:04]
5. "It's not about your skill or your knowledge or your charisma. It's about what God can do when you're obedient. See what Jesus left the disciples with was a purpose. And a purpose that was not dependent on their abilities but the power that comes from him." [45:00]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus tossed the keys to the disciples and he gave them an incredible gift, an incredible responsibility, and an incredible purpose. He allowed them to be themselves in building his church and spreading his message. And when the disciples scattered all across the world sharing Jesus, they all did it in different places and they did it in different ways, but they held close to the needs of making disciples. And baptizing them. And then teaching all that Jesus had shared with them. And then here's the kicker. What was given to the disciples now been handed down to you." [53:59]
2. "When he was arrested, who had doubted him, who had failed him, who never seemed to fully get it. These are the guys that Jesus leaves his followers, his church, in the hands of. I'm not sure they were ready. They may have studied, but did they really pass any test? When we read about them, like honestly, these guys are not qualified. A qualified leader understands the mission. A qualified leader has proven experience. A qualified leader overcomes adversity. A qualified leader shows courage. These guys failed. A lot. And in the same section of verses right here we read it. It says that they worshiped Jesus and some still doubted him. Yet Jesus still hands it over to them. Why? It's simple. Because Jesus did what God always does. He doesn't call the qualified. He calls the qualified. He qualifies the called." [42:53]
3. "Jesus has done something here that I am not sure I would have done. Right? I'm not trying to question Jesus. He kind of knows what he's doing. But man, I'm not sure I could have done what he's doing right here. Like everything he's built over the past three years, all of the people that he has done and he's taught and he's poured himself into, the entire group that has followed him, all the messages, all the miracles. And he tosses the keys to the disciples and he says hey, take it over." [41:40]
4. "Jesus didn't get super specific on church. Now we do church like that if you didn't notice, right? Yeah, that's what we do and that's okay that we do it that way. But Jesus didn't say any of that. What he did was he said go pass along all of the things that I've given to you. And in doing so, he let his disciples figure out what ways worked best. And he allowed them to mess up. And he allowed them to learn along the way. And we've been doing that on repeat all throughout the history of the church. Because Jesus lets us mess up. And he lets us try new things. And he lets us figure out what works here for us and how we do things." [53:21]
5. "Jesus came and he said to them, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I've commanded you. But hold on with you always to the end of the age. See, before Jesus hands off his purpose to the disciples, he reminds them that it's not based on them but on him. Him. It's his authority on heaven and on earth, and he's the one who's gonna be there with them." [45:33]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?