WEEK 9(June 14-June 20)
THE ROLE WE PLAY (MATTHEW 28:18-20)
VERSE FOR MEDITATION
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.” MATTHEW 28:18-20
OPENING THOUGHT
The book of Acts begins with Jesus’ words: “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Throughout Acts, we see the remarkable movement of the Holy Spirit empowering the early church to fulfill this commission. However, Luke’s account of the early church ends abruptly, with Paul ministering and proclaiming the gospel in Rome. We see glimpses of the gospel’s reach to the “ends of the earth,” but the story remains unfinished.
The centuries since reveal how God has added chapters to this story. What began with the early church continues today. Everywhere the gospel has been proclaimed, God brings transformation as men and women hear the good news of Jesus Christ and repent and believe. And just as Acts 1:8 serves as the main idea of the book, Matthew 28:18-20 provides the foundation for the Church’s continuing work today in proclaiming the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Under the sovereign authority of Jesus, the Church is called to make disciples. Every heart captivated by the gospel and every person who follows Jesus as Lord provides a glimpse into the redemptive work of God to restore and renew all things for His glory. What greater work could there be than to join in with the saints in declaring the hope that is found in Jesus?
As we consider God’s continuing story of redemption, the question for us is, “What part will we play?” As FaithPoint, God has given us a mission and equipped us with gifts to fulfill that mission. He has also placed us in a particular context at a particular time as He empowers us to pursue this mission. Our task is to prayerfully seek God’s will as we seek to obey His call, wherever He leads us.
QUESTIONS
Read Matthew 28:18 and answer the following questions.
- Jesus tells His disciples, “All authority on heaven and earth has been given to me.” What is this authority? How does it provide the foundation for our call to make disciples?
- What difference would it make if your efforts to make disciples became motivated by the authority of Jesus and not your own strength?
Read Matthew 28:19-20 and answer the following questions.
- All believers are commanded to “go.” Where has God called you to make disciples? Has
He called you to somewhere local or to another context? How has this calling been confirmed in your life?
- How has God equipped you to join in the work of making disciples, specifically as it relates to going, baptizing and teaching? What gifts has the Lord given you to fulfill His mission?
- Where do you see fear or apathy in your life hindering God’s call to make disciples?
- How does the promise of Jesus’ continued presence as you make disciples change the way you see this remarkable calling?
ACTIONS TO CONSIDER
- Consider ways that you can serve the church and its partner ministries to make disciples.
- Think of ways that you can actively be a part of new opportunities to make disciples in community. Does your Small Group need to multiply? Have you considered leading a
Recovery Group?
- If fear and apathy have hindered your obedience to make disciples, consider the reasons behind it. Do you see the church as a place that exists to serve you? Are you worried of what others might think if you were to share the gospel with them? Confess those fears to your group and ask God for strength and boldness.