Empowered to Go: Living the Great Commission
Summary
In our journey as followers of Christ, we are called to a mission that transcends the walls of our church buildings and the comfort of our familiar circles. This mission, as outlined in the Great Commission found in Matthew 28, is not a task reserved for a select few but a divine mandate for every believer. It is a call to action that compels us to step out in faith, to go into all the world, and to make disciples of all nations.
As we delve into the heart of this mission, we recognize that it is grounded in the authority of Jesus Christ. He, who has conquered death and sin, sends us forth with the assurance of His omnipotence. This authority is not just a theological concept; it is the very foundation that empowers us to engage with our neighbors, our coworkers, and our communities with the transformative message of the Gospel.
The essence of discipleship is not merely about acquiring knowledge or adhering to religious practices. It is about entering into a life-changing relationship with Jesus and allowing His character and priorities to shape our lives. As disciples, we are called to emulate Jesus, to walk as He walked, and to invest our lives into others, just as He did.
The process of making disciples involves going, baptizing, and teaching. It is an intentional pattern of life that Jesus exemplified and instructed us to follow. Going is about stepping out of our comfort zones and intentionally engaging with those around us. Baptizing signifies the transformation that occurs when someone begins their journey of faith. Teaching is about nurturing that faith, helping new believers to understand and obey the teachings of Christ, and equipping them to continue the cycle of discipleship.
Throughout my ministry, I have witnessed the power of simple obedience to this call. From the story of a young banker in Kolkata who sparked a movement of over 51,000 house churches to the ripple effect of discipleship among teenagers in Shippensburg, the impact of living out the Great Commission is undeniable. Each of us has a unique "nation" to reach—a sphere of influence where we are called to share the hope and love of Christ.
As we embrace this mission, we do so with the promise of Jesus' presence. He assures us that as we go, He is with us always, to the very end of the age. This covenantal presence is not just a comforting thought; it is the very essence of our calling. It is in the going, baptizing, and teaching that we experience the fullness of His presence.
Let us, therefore, rise to the occasion, empowered by the authority of Christ, to be His hands and feet in a world that desperately needs the hope and light of the Gospel. Let us be the church that not only gathers but also scatters, carrying the good news to every corner of our communities and beyond.
Key Takeaways:
- The Great Commission is not an optional endeavor for a select few but a core mission for every believer. We are all called to make disciples, which means entering into a life of following Jesus and inviting others to do the same. This calling is not based on our abilities but on the authority of Christ who sends us. [49:33]
- Discipleship is a transformative journey that begins with going. We must intentionally engage with those around us, sharing the life and teachings of Jesus. It is in the act of going that we step into the fullness of God's promise to be with us, experiencing His presence as we carry out His mission. [53:51]
- Baptism signifies the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life. As we baptize new disciples, we celebrate their new identity in Christ and their inclusion in the family of God. This act of baptism is a powerful declaration of faith and a commitment to a life of discipleship. [42:07]
- Teaching is an essential component of making disciples. We are called to pass on the teachings of Jesus, helping others to understand and obey His commands. This process of teaching is not just about imparting knowledge but about nurturing a deep, abiding relationship with Christ. [43:24]
- The presence of Jesus is covenantal and is experienced in the context of obedience to His commands. As we go, baptize, and teach, we do so with the assurance that Jesus is with us. His presence is not merely a comfort but a dynamic reality that empowers and guides us in our mission. [53:13]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV)
> Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 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.”
2. 1 John 2:6 (NIV)
> Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
3. Philippians 2:9 (NIV)
> Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific command does Jesus give to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20?
2. According to the sermon, what are the three actions involved in making disciples? ([38:29])
3. How does 1 John 2:6 describe the life of someone who claims to live in Jesus?
4. What authority does Jesus claim in Matthew 28:18, and how does this empower His followers? ([31:35])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the Great Commission described as a mandate for every believer and not just a select few? ([20:04])
2. How does the authority of Jesus, as mentioned in Matthew 28:18, impact the confidence and actions of believers in their mission? ([34:49])
3. What does it mean to "walk as Jesus did" according to 1 John 2:6, and how can this be practically applied in daily life? ([08:40])
4. How does the concept of Jesus' covenantal presence in Matthew 28:20 provide assurance and motivation for believers to engage in the Great Commission? ([53:13])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. How can you intentionally step out of your comfort zone to engage with those around you and share the message of Jesus? ([39:07])
2. Baptism signifies a transformation in a believer's life. Have you experienced or witnessed this transformation? How can you support new believers in their journey of faith? ([42:07])
3. Teaching others to obey Jesus' commands is a crucial part of discipleship. What steps can you take to nurture and mentor someone in their faith journey? ([43:24])
4. The sermon mentioned the story of a young banker in Kolkata who sparked a movement of over 51,000 house churches. What unique "nation" or sphere of influence has God placed you in, and how can you make an impact there? ([23:04])
5. Jesus promises His presence as we go, baptize, and teach. How have you experienced His presence in your acts of obedience, and how can this encourage you to continue in your mission? ([53:13])
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of living out the Great Commission in our neighborhoods and workplaces. Identify one specific person or group you can reach out to this week with the love and message of Christ. ([21:50])
7. Reflect on the idea that we are all disciples of something or someone. What are you currently a disciple of, and how can you shift your focus to being a disciple of Jesus in every aspect of your life? ([23:44])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Commission's Call
The Great Commission is not a selective calling; it is a universal mandate for all who claim to follow Christ. It is an invitation to step into a life of active discipleship, where following Jesus is synonymous with leading others to do the same. This mission is not dependent on one's personal capabilities but is firmly rooted in the authority of Jesus, who commands and empowers believers to go forth. The call to make disciples is an outward expression of an inward transformation, a sign that one's life is not only aligned with Christ's teachings but is also committed to spreading His message to the ends of the earth. This divine directive is not just about spreading knowledge but about inviting others into a transformative relationship with the Savior. [49:33]
"For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." - 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
Reflection: How can you embody the Great Commission in your daily interactions, and who is God placing on your heart to disciple?
Day 2: The Transformative Journey of Going
Discipleship begins with the willingness to go—to step out of comfort zones and engage with the world around us. This act of going is not merely a physical movement but a spiritual venture, an opportunity to share the life and teachings of Jesus with those who may not yet know Him. It is in this very act of going that believers encounter the fullness of God's promise to be with them, experiencing His presence in a tangible way. The journey of going is a testament to one's faith, a declaration that the believer trusts in God's guidance and provision as they carry out His mission. [53:51]
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" - Mark 16:15
Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to 'go' and share the love of Christ with someone outside your usual sphere of influence?
Day 3: Celebrating Transformation through Baptism
Baptism is a profound declaration of faith, a public testimony of a believer's transformation and new life in Christ. It is an act that signifies the work of the Holy Spirit, marking the beginning of a disciple's journey. Baptism is not just a ritual; it is a celebration of one's inclusion in the family of God and a commitment to walk in the newness of life. As believers participate in baptizing new disciples, they are reminded of their own baptism and the transformative power of the Gospel that continues to work in their lives. [42:07]
"Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:4
Reflection: Reflect on your own baptism. How does it shape your understanding of your identity in Christ and your role in the body of Christ?
Day 4: Nurturing Faith through Teaching
Teaching is a critical element in the disciple-making process. It involves more than the transmission of knowledge; it is about guiding new believers to understand and live out the teachings of Jesus. This nurturing process fosters a deep, abiding relationship with Christ and equips disciples to carry on the legacy of faith. Teaching is an act of stewardship, where mature believers invest in the spiritual growth of others, ensuring that the truth of the Gospel is passed down and lived out in every generation. [43:24]
"But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine." - Titus 2:1
Reflection: What is one way you can actively participate in teaching others about the life and commands of Jesus this week?
Day 5: Experiencing Jesus' Covenantal Presence
The presence of Jesus is a covenantal promise that is experienced through obedience to His commands. As believers go, baptize, and teach, they do so with the assurance that Jesus is with them always. This presence is not a passive comfort but an active reality that empowers, guides, and sustains them in their mission. The knowledge that Jesus is present in every step of the disciple-making journey brings confidence and courage to face challenges and to share the Gospel with boldness. [53:13]
"Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:20
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the presence of Jesus in your life as you have sought to obey His commands?
Quotes
- "Start with a story; start sharing about what Jesus means to you and what he's doing in your life and how you're experiencing him." [40:25](Download | Download)
- "Baptizing marks the initial point of conversion where you go from being white to blue... it signifies the transformation that occurs when someone begins their journey of faith." [42:07](Download | Download)
- "We're creating a movement; people are taking the work. When I leave the scene, there will be others to carry it on. That's the call we're to be about, imparting our lives into others and making disciples." [48:35](Download | Download)
- "All authority in heaven and on Earth has been given to me... He's conquered death and sin, he's conquered our greatest foes, and he has full reign over the universe." [34:12](Download | Download)
- "When you walk into your school or your work, when you walk into that room as a Christian, hope enters that room, the light of God enters that room, the good news Jesus enters that room." [51:25](Download | Download)
- "The presence of God is covenantal. Here, 'I am with you' as you go and you baptize and you teach. It's because of our going and baptizing and teaching that Jesus says, 'I will be with you.'" [53:13](Download | Download)
- "It's the going church that enjoys the presence of God... Disciple making is a faith walk that brings His presence for His people." [53:51](Download | Download)
- "We're all disciples... The question isn't whether we're disciples, it's what are we disciples of or who are we disciples of." [23:44](Download | Download)
- "The Great Commission wasn't given to spiritual giants; it was given to ordinary, devoted but failure-prone followers, flawed, broken people like me and maybe you." [29:41](Download | Download)
- "Jesus has all authority and he sends you and me to be his disciples to the nations, and in his authority starting in our Jerusalem, starting in our neighborhood, starting in our communities." [35:58](Download | Download)
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