Empowered to Share: The Great Commission Unleashed
Summary
### Summary
Today, we concluded our 21-week series on the Gospel of Mark by focusing on the events following the resurrection of Jesus and their implications for us today. We began by reading the Great Commission from Matthew 28, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. This sets the framework for our discussion on Mark 16, where we see Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene, a woman who had been deeply broken and bound by sin. Her transformation is a testament to Jesus' redemptive power, and it serves as a reminder that no one is beyond His reach.
We then explored the reactions of the disciples to the news of Jesus' resurrection. Despite hearing firsthand accounts, they struggled with unbelief due to their hardened hearts. This teaches us the importance of allowing the good reports of others to stir our faith rather than letting our own grief and self-absorption lead to cynicism and disbelief.
Jesus' command to "go into all the world and preach the good news to everyone" is a mandate for all believers. We are all preachers in our own right, called to share the love and power of Jesus with those around us. This requires boldness, not just tact and self-awareness. While Christianity may seem irrational or even "weird" to the logical mind, the message of the cross is the power of God for those who believe.
Finally, we discussed the role of the Holy Spirit in our mission. The Great Commission is a co-mission where the Holy Spirit partners with us to bring about miraculous signs and wonders that confirm the message of the gospel. This partnership alleviates the pressure on us to perform miracles, as it is the Holy Spirit who works through us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Transformation: Mary Magdalene's story shows that no one is beyond the reach of Jesus' redemptive power. Her transformation from a demon-possessed woman to a witness of the resurrection illustrates that Jesus can heal and restore anyone, regardless of their past. This serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus wants to step into our brokenness and set us free. [05:03]
2. The Danger of a Hardened Heart: The disciples' initial disbelief in the resurrection reports highlights the spiritual danger of a hardened heart. When we are self-absorbed in our grief or pain, we become cynical and disbelieving of God's work in others' lives. This self-absorption can lead to a lack of faith and gratitude, which is not God's will for us. [08:25]
3. The Mandate to Preach: Jesus' command to preach the good news is not limited to pastors or evangelists; it is a mandate for all believers. We are all called to share the love and power of Jesus with those around us, whether through casual conversations or more formal settings. Boldness in sharing our faith is crucial, even if it feels uncomfortable. [12:51]
4. Embracing the "Weirdness" of Christianity: Christianity often defies logical understanding, and that's okay. The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but is the power of God to those who believe. We should embrace the supernatural aspects of our faith and not try to make Jesus more palatable to a modern audience. [18:44]
5. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Great Commission is a co-mission with the Holy Spirit. We are not alone in our efforts to share the gospel; the Holy Spirit partners with us, performing signs and wonders to confirm the message. This partnership alleviates the pressure on us to perform and reminds us that the power comes from God, not from our abilities. [21:55]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:11] - Leadership College Shoutout
[01:53] - The Resurrection and Its Significance
[02:36] - The Great Commission
[03:23] - Reading from Matthew 28
[04:06] - Introduction to Mark 16
[05:03] - The Transformation of Mary Magdalene
[06:51] - The Disciples' Unbelief
[07:55] - The Danger of a Hardened Heart
[09:28] - Personal Testimony of Faith
[12:20] - Jesus' Command to Preach
[12:51] - The Mandate to Preach the Good News
[15:11] - Boldness in Sharing Faith
[18:07] - Embracing the "Weirdness" of Christianity
[21:55] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[24:05] - Miracles Confirm the Message
[25:44] - The Importance of Evangelism
[27:30] - Personal Struggles with Evangelism
[31:31] - Obedience and Boldness
[32:26] - Prayer for Believers
[34:00] - Invitation to Accept Jesus
[35:59] - Final Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission)
> "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. Mark 16:9-20
> "When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it. Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either. Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.' After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it."
### Observation Questions
1. What was the initial reaction of the disciples when Mary Magdalene told them about Jesus' resurrection? ([06:51])
2. According to the sermon, what does Jesus' command to "go into all the world and preach the good news to everyone" imply for all believers? ([12:20])
3. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in the Great Commission? ([21:55])
4. What are some of the miraculous signs mentioned in Mark 16 that will accompany those who believe? ([22:39])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples struggled with unbelief even after hearing firsthand accounts of Jesus' resurrection? ([07:55])
2. How does Mary Magdalene's transformation illustrate the power of Jesus' redemptive work? ([05:03])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between boldness and tact in sharing the gospel? ([14:25])
4. How does the concept of the Great Commission being a "co-mission" with the Holy Spirit change the way we approach evangelism? ([21:55])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with unbelief or cynicism. How can you allow the good reports of others to stir your faith instead? ([09:28])
2. Mary Magdalene's story shows that no one is beyond Jesus' reach. Is there someone in your life who you feel is beyond redemption? How can you pray for and reach out to them this week? ([05:03])
3. Jesus commands all believers to preach the good news. What are some practical ways you can share your faith in your daily life, even if it feels uncomfortable? ([12:51])
4. The sermon mentions the "weirdness" of Christianity. How can you embrace the supernatural aspects of your faith without trying to make Jesus more palatable to a modern audience? ([18:44])
5. The Holy Spirit partners with us in our mission. How can you be more aware of and rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance and power in your efforts to share the gospel? ([21:55])
6. Think of a specific person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus. What steps can you take this week to share the love and power of Jesus with them? ([14:25])
7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of boldness in evangelism. What is one area in your life where you need to be more bold in sharing your faith, and how can you take a step in that direction this week? ([17:07])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Transformation
Mary Magdalene's story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of Jesus. Once a woman bound by sin and possessed by demons, she encountered Jesus and was completely changed. Her transformation from a life of brokenness to becoming a witness of the resurrection illustrates that no one is beyond the reach of Jesus' redemptive power. This serves as a reminder that Jesus desires to step into our brokenness and set us free, no matter how deep our wounds or how dark our past. Her story encourages us to believe in the possibility of our own transformation and the transformation of those around us. [05:03]
Isaiah 61:1-3 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified."
Reflection: Think of an area in your life where you feel broken or bound. How can you invite Jesus into that area today to begin the process of transformation?
Day 2: The Danger of a Hardened Heart
The disciples' initial disbelief in the resurrection reports highlights the spiritual danger of a hardened heart. Despite hearing firsthand accounts of Jesus' resurrection, their grief and self-absorption led them to cynicism and disbelief. This teaches us the importance of remaining open to the good reports of others and allowing them to stir our faith. When we are consumed by our own pain, we risk becoming cynical and ungrateful, which is not God's will for us. Instead, we should strive to keep our hearts soft and receptive to God's work in our lives and the lives of others. [08:25]
Hebrews 3:12-13 (ESV): "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you were skeptical of God's work in someone else's life. How can you cultivate a heart that is open and receptive to the testimonies of others?
Day 3: The Mandate to Preach
Jesus' command to preach the good news is not limited to pastors or evangelists; it is a mandate for all believers. We are all called to share the love and power of Jesus with those around us, whether through casual conversations or more formal settings. This requires boldness and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. While it may feel uncomfortable or even irrational to share our faith, the message of the cross is the power of God for those who believe. Embracing this mandate means recognizing that we all have a role to play in spreading the gospel. [12:51]
2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the good news of Jesus. How can you share your faith with them this week in a way that is both bold and loving?
Day 4: Embracing the "Weirdness" of Christianity
Christianity often defies logical understanding, and that's okay. The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but is the power of God to those who believe. We should embrace the supernatural aspects of our faith and not try to make Jesus more palatable to a modern audience. This means being comfortable with the "weirdness" of Christianity and recognizing that the power of God often operates beyond human logic. Embracing this aspect of our faith allows us to fully experience the transformative power of the gospel. [18:44]
1 Corinthians 1:18-19 (ESV): "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.'"
Reflection: Think about an aspect of your faith that you find difficult to explain to others. How can you embrace this "weirdness" and trust in the power of God rather than human logic?
Day 5: The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Great Commission is a co-mission with the Holy Spirit. We are not alone in our efforts to share the gospel; the Holy Spirit partners with us, performing signs and wonders to confirm the message. This partnership alleviates the pressure on us to perform and reminds us that the power comes from God, not from our abilities. Recognizing the role of the Holy Spirit in our mission allows us to rely on His strength and guidance, rather than our own. This partnership is essential for effective evangelism and for experiencing the fullness of God's power in our lives. [21:55]
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: Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate in sharing your faith. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's power and guidance in your evangelistic efforts?
Quotes
1. "Right? Three days later, Jesus rose from the grave and he defeated death and hell. And in that way, he proved once and for all that he is, is who he said he is. He is not only the son of God, but he is God. He has defeated death. Nothing is too great or too powerful for him. And so the resurrection seals that truth for all of eternity." [01:53] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus sees you where you're at, and he wants to step right into your situation. You don't have to feel like you have to clean yourself up first. You don't have to feel like you've got all your ducks in a row. He wants to step right into the midst of your circumstance and set you free from the things that you feel like are binding you. He wants to heal you and restore you, show his love and kindness to you." [05:03] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I want to declare to you today that there is no power of darkness coming against your life that is too strong for the saving hand of Jesus to pull you out of those things, to give you a hope and a future in him. He loves you too much to leave you where you are, and he wants to show his love to you." [05:55] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have to choose to let the good reports of others stir our faith. Choose to let the good reports of others stir your faith. Now, when you hear that the resurrected Jesus showed up out of nowhere into a room full of his grieving disciples, and he rebuked them, you might think, Jesus, come on, let up on them a little bit. I mean, like, they're sad. They're grieving. You did die after all. You were dead. They were sad about that. They missed you." [07:55] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Every time we hear the report of someone else and the good things that God's doing in their life, we have this choice to make. I wish I could tell you that I made the right choice every time. I haven't. Not every time. And so I can tell you from firsthand experience that choosing to continually reject the good reports of others and disbelieve them and live in a place with a hardened heart takes you to a place of bitterness and a lack of gratitude and sin." [11:03] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Every time anybody becomes a disciple of Jesus, there is now a mandate on our life to preach the good news. Jesus has commanded us, all of us, to preach the good news and to make disciples. You know what that means? That means you are a preacher. Surprise. Someone's like, I knew it. Someone else is like, no, you're wrong. I'm not. Yeah, you are a preacher." [13:28] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The main thing we're trying to give people is a life-changing encounter with the power of Jesus. And that requires some boldness. And at the end of the day, Jesus never said, bring in from all the world. And make disciples. He said, go out into all the world and make disciples. That requires boldness outside of the walls of the church." [17:07] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The Holy Spirit moves on our boldness. So be bold. Be bold about the things that God has done in your life. Just simply tell your story. I was lost. Now I'm found. I was blind. Now I see. I was addicted. Now I'm free. I was depressed. Now I have joy. I was visionless. Now I have purpose. I was lonely. Now I have a family. I was in darkness. He set me in his light. That's what Jesus did for me. He can do the same for you." [19:17] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "If we really believe the things that we talk about, if we really believe that there's a real heaven and a real hell, and people who don't know Jesus are going to a real hell, man, it's time for us to wake up and get bold. It's time for us to reach out beyond ourselves to get past ourselves. Jesus said, if anyone wants to be my disciple, you must pick up your cross, deny yourself and follow me." [20:29] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The Holy Spirit is the one who opens people's eyes and reveals Jesus to them. The Holy Spirit is the one who convicts of sin and convinces of the reality of eternity. That's not on your shoulders. The pressure's off of you to do that. And that means that this mission that we're undertaking, it's not a lone wolf mission. It's not a solo mission. The Holy Spirit wants to partner with us." [21:55] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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