Empowered by Jesus: The Call to Discipleship
Summary
This week, we explored the powerful promise of Jesus’ presence and the call He gives to each of us. When we feel powerless or afraid, we can trust Jesus—He is always with us, even to the end of the age. The words of Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20 are not a farewell, but a commission: to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them to obey everything He has commanded. This is not a suggestion, but a command from the One who holds all authority in heaven and on earth.
Making disciples is not about simply changing outward behavior or convincing someone to agree with us. It is about inviting others into a journey of transformation—one that begins with meeting Jesus and continues as He reshapes our hearts, desires, and purposes from the inside out. Discipleship is a lifelong process, not a quick fix. It requires community, modeling, and mentoring, just as Jesus did with His own followers.
Baptism marks the beginning of this new identity in Christ, but it is only the start. We are called to teach and model obedience to all of Jesus’ commands, even the difficult ones. This is not something we can do alone. Jesus promises His presence through the Holy Spirit, who empowers, guides, and comforts us. The Spirit gives us boldness to speak, strength to persevere, and the ability to love and serve others with compassion. He also leads us, sometimes disrupting our plans, but always directing us toward God’s greater purpose.
The Spirit not only works in us, but also prepares the hearts of those we are sent to. Our mission is not about our own strength or wisdom, but about being available and obedient to God’s leading. Even when we feel weak or inadequate, the Spirit is our companion and counselor, perfecting His strength in our weakness. We are never alone in this calling. When we need help, we can trust Jesus—He is with us, always.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus’ authority is the foundation for our mission. He does not send us out in our own name, but in His, as the King of kings and Lord of lords. This gives us both confidence and urgency, knowing that our calling comes from the One who has conquered sin and death and rules over all creation. [35:47]
- Discipleship is about transformation, not just conversion. A disciple is someone who is being reshaped from the inside out by Jesus—not just following rules, but allowing Christ to change their heart, desires, and purpose. Our role is to invite others into this journey, not simply to make them look like us or follow a set of behaviors. [38:35]
- The Holy Spirit empowers and guides us in our mission. We cannot fulfill Jesus’ commission in our own strength; we need the Spirit’s power to speak boldly, love deeply, and persevere through challenges. The Spirit also leads us, sometimes by disrupting our plans, and directs us to the people and places where God wants to work. [46:20]
- God’s mission is accomplished through community and obedience. Discipleship happens in relationship—through modeling, mentoring, and walking alongside others. We are not meant to do this alone; the church is called to be a community where transformation is nurtured and multiplied, just as Jesus did with His disciples. [38:35]
- We are never alone—Jesus is always with us through the Holy Spirit. Even when we feel weak, inadequate, or rejected, the Spirit is our companion, counselor, and comforter. God perfects His strength in our weakness, and His presence is the assurance that we can trust Him in every circumstance and calling. [49:33]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[13:11] - Trusting Jesus When We Need Help
[31:07] - Remembering Our Bible Buddies and Verses
[32:39] - Jesus’ Promise: I Am With You Always
[35:47] - The Great Commission: Jesus’ Authority and Command
[38:35] - Discipleship: Transformation, Not Just Conversion
[41:00] - Baptism and Teaching: The Journey Begins
[43:10] - The Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit
[46:20] - The Spirit’s Leading and God’s Disruptive Plans
[48:00] - The Spirit Prepares Hearts for the Gospel
[49:33] - The Spirit’s Comfort in Our Weakness
[51:00] - Praying for Camp and God’s Work in Us
[53:00] - Final Encouragement: Trusting Jesus Always
[54:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Promise of Jesus’ Presence and Our Calling
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### Bible Reading
- Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what does Jesus say about His authority before giving the command to make disciples?
2. What are the specific actions Jesus commands His followers to do in these verses?
3. In the sermon, what is the difference between making a “convert” and making a “disciple”? [[38:35]]
4. What promise does Jesus give at the end of the Great Commission, and how does the sermon explain its meaning? [[35:47]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus start by talking about His authority before giving the command to go and make disciples? How does this affect the way we see our mission? [[35:47]]
2. The sermon says discipleship is about transformation, not just changing behavior. What does it look like for someone to be transformed “from the inside out” by Jesus? [[38:35]]
3. The Holy Spirit is described as our helper, comforter, and source of power. Why is it important that we don’t try to fulfill Jesus’ command in our own strength? [[46:20]]
4. The sermon mentions that discipleship happens in community, not alone. Why do you think Jesus modeled this with His own followers? [[38:35]]
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### Application Questions
1. Jesus says, “I am with you always.” When was a time you felt powerless or afraid, and how did remembering Jesus’ presence help you? If you haven’t experienced this, what would it look like to trust Him in a hard moment? [[32:39]]
2. The sermon says making disciples is about inviting others into a journey of transformation, not just getting them to agree with us. Who in your life could you invite into this kind of journey? What would be a first step? [[38:35]]
3. Baptism is described as the beginning of a new identity in Christ. If you have been baptized, how has your life changed since then? If you haven’t, what questions or thoughts do you have about it? [[35:47]]
4. The Holy Spirit sometimes disrupts our plans to lead us where God wants us. Can you think of a time when your plans were changed unexpectedly? Looking back, do you see how God might have been at work? [[46:20]]
5. The sermon says we are not meant to make disciples alone, but in community. Who has modeled or mentored faith for you? How can you be that person for someone else this season? [[38:35]]
6. When you feel weak or inadequate, what helps you remember that God’s strength is made perfect in your weakness? Is there a specific area where you need to ask for the Spirit’s help right now? [[49:33]]
7. The Spirit prepares the hearts of those we are sent to. Is there someone you feel God is prompting you to reach out to? How can you pray for them and for yourself as you take a step of faith? [[48:00]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Thank Jesus for His promise to be with us always. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower, guide, and comfort each person in the group as they seek to follow Jesus’ command and trust Him in every circumstance.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus’ Authority and the Great Commission
Jesus begins his final words to his disciples by declaring that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him, establishing the foundation for the command that follows. This authority means that when Jesus calls his followers to go and make disciples, it is not a suggestion but a command from the King of kings, the one who has conquered sin, death, and the grave. Because of who Jesus is, his followers can move forward with both confidence and urgency, knowing they are sent in his name and not their own. This call is not just for a select few but for all who claim allegiance to Jesus, and it is a call to action that shapes the very purpose of the church. [35:47]
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
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.”
Reflection: Where in your life do you need to remember that Jesus has all authority, and how might that change the way you respond to his call to make disciples today?
Day 2: Discipleship as Transformation, Not Just Conversion
To be a disciple of Jesus is not about a quick fix or simply changing outward behavior; it is about a deep, inside-out transformation that reshapes hearts, desires, and purpose. Discipleship means introducing others to Jesus, helping them to know him, and walking with them as they are transformed by his love and truth. This process is not about handing out rules but about inviting people into a journey of becoming more like Christ, allowing God to give them a new identity and purpose. True discipleship is a lifelong journey of learning, growing, and being changed by the teachings and presence of Jesus. [38:35]
Matthew 7:24 (ESV)
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Reflection: Who in your life can you intentionally walk alongside this week, modeling what it means to follow Jesus and inviting them into a journey of transformation?
Day 3: The Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit
Jesus promises that his followers will never be alone in their mission; the Holy Spirit is given to empower, guide, and comfort them as they go. The Spirit provides the boldness to speak, the compassion to serve, and the perseverance to continue even when it is difficult. The presence of the Holy Spirit is not just a feeling but the very power of God at work within and through believers, making the impossible possible and ensuring that the mission of Jesus continues in every generation. [41:50]
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 area of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit’s power and presence, rather than your own strength or ability?
Day 4: God’s Guidance in Our Plans and Interruptions
The Holy Spirit not only empowers but also leads and directs the paths of those who follow Jesus, sometimes closing doors and redirecting plans in unexpected ways. Being led by the Spirit requires a willingness to be interruptible, to let go of personal agendas, and to trust that God’s plans are better than our own. Even when plans are disrupted or life takes an unforeseen turn, God is weaving together a story that is more beautiful than anything we could have orchestrated ourselves. [46:20]
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Reflection: Can you recall a recent time when your plans were interrupted—how might you look for God’s guidance and purpose in those moments today?
Day 5: Jesus’ Promise: “I Am With You Always”
One of the most comforting promises Jesus gives is that he is with his followers always, even to the end of the age. This assurance means that no matter how inadequate, weak, or alone one may feel, Jesus’ presence through the Holy Spirit is constant and faithful. He does not abandon his people in their struggles or failures but perfects his strength in their weakness, inviting them to trust him for help in every circumstance. [49:30]
Matthew 28:20b (ESV)
“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel alone or overwhelmed—how can you invite Jesus’ presence and help into that situation today?
Quotes
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