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Outline: Doubts begin to dissolve in the light of…
1.
The Power
of the Resurrected Christ (v.18)
2.
The Mission
of the Resurrected Christ (v.19-20a)
3.
The Presence
of the Resurrected Christ (v.20b)
Summary: Jesus rose from the dead and went to Galilee
to meet his disciples, just as he said that he would (26:31-32;
28:6,10,16). When the disciples
encountered Jesus in his resurrected state, they rightly worshipped him as the
God-Man (28:17; cf. v.9), but still some of them doubted. This doubt, however, would start do
dissolve in the light of the power,
mission, and presence of the risen Christ. Before Jesus gives the Great Commission, he tells his
disciples that he has been given absolutely all authority (v.18; cf. Eph.
1:20-23; Phil. 2:8-11).
Essentially saying, “don’t be afraid to proclaim the gospel to anyone because everyone will have to answer to me.” Then he tells his disciples their
mission: Make disciples of all
nations by going, baptizing, and teaching. This is a massive mission, one that
can only be carried out in the strength of God, which is why Jesus then
reassures them with the promise that he would be present with them by his Spirit until the end of the age.
Discussion Questions:
- When Jesus tells his disciples of his absolute power and authority in v.18, what effect do you think Jesus intended for it to have on them? What effect should this statement have on you, especially in regards to your calling to tell others about Jesus?
- The Wheel Illustration was used in order to help clarify the central focus of the Great Commission (Make disciples of all nations!) and the three ways it is to be carried out (by going, baptizing, and teaching). In your own words, try to explain the mission that Jesus gives to us using the wheel illustration.
- People become disciples by believing the gospel, the good news about Jesus and what he did. This is implied in the mission and is made explicit when we look at parallel passages. Read these parallel passages and reflect on your call to share the gospel in order to make more disciples: Matt. 24:14; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47.
- What is the meaning of the phrase “all nations”?
- We are to make disciples by going. What does this entail? (Hint: think “spheres of influence”).
- We are to encourage people who believe the good news about Jesus to be baptized in the singular name of the triune God. Consider how baptism itself is a dramatization of the good news of the gospel (cf. Rom. 6:4). Have you been baptized as a believer? If not, Consider being baptized in obedience to this passage.
- How important is it that we not only teach others about Jesus but also teach others to obey Jesus (v.20a)? What is the difference between the two? This verse provides a strong biblical basis for accountability. Are their people in your life who are helping you obey Jesus’ teachings? If not, respond to this command by making this a more urgent part of your life.
- In v.20b, Jesus promises his disciples that he would be with them to the end of the age. How can this be seeing as Jesus is about to ascend to his Father’s right hand and no longer be physically present with his disciples? What effect do you think Jesus intended for it to have on them? What effect should this statement have on you, especially in regards to the challenges of living on mission?
Prayer Points:
- Confess any ways that you have failed to live on mission in your various spheres of influence and receive forgiveness and cleansing that flows from Jesus (1 John 1:9).
- Pray that God would help you to understand the absolute power and authority of Jesus Christ and that it would serve to give you more confidence as you share the good news about Jesus with others.
- Pray that God would brand his mission on your mind and heart and help you to live it out.
- Ask God to help you to be a faithful witness in every sphere of influence that he has placed you in, whether in your home, extended family, church, school, workplace, community, etc.
- Ask God to help you to lovingly, wisely, and diligently pass on the teachings of Jesus by instructing others and helping them to obey the things that they learn.
- Thank God for the privilege it is to be part of the greatest of all causes: following Jesus on his mission to make disciples of all nations.
- Praise Jesus for his absolute power over all things and all people.
- Praise Jesus for the promise of his constant presence in your life as you live on mission.
