Following in the account of the end of Jesus’ time on earth, we jump back to the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus issues what is known as the ‘Great Commission.’ Jesus is ascending to heaven to return to the Father after the resurrection, but He makes it clear what His followers should be doing while waiting for His Second Coming.

I was convicted recently by an idea from David Platt’s book, Radical, where he addresses the American church’s [un]willingness to fulfill this Great Commission, arguing that some of us live like all roads lead to heaven or there is no urgency about eternity: “[Some Christians] claim Christ is necessary for salvation, yet they live their Christianity in silence, as if people around them in the world will be okay in the end without Christ.”

Platt’s point is that if we believe Jesus is who He says He is--the only Way, the only Truth, the only Life--then there is no other way to escape damnation but through Him. If we believe this, why are we not urgently telling those we love and all across the globe about the eternal consequences of knowing or not knowing Christ?

Consider how we can better obey Jesus’ final instruction to take His name to the world.

[Matthew 28.16-20]

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What does it say about Jesus that when the disciples saw Him they worshipped him? What do they recognize about Him? [v. 17]

+ Why does it matter that Jesus has all authority on heaven and earth? [v. 18]

+ Who are the disciples supposed to go to? [v. 19]

+ How does Jesus say His disciples will be marked? [v. 19]

+ What are His disciples supposed to do? [v. 20]

+ What is the last thing Jesus promises them before he ascends? How is this encouraging for us? [v. 20]

+ What does this passage teach us about the nature of God and his redemptive story for us?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Who are the people in your life that God is asking you to extend the good news of the Gospel to?

+ Who is God put in your life who has responded to the good news of the Gospel who you can disciple?

+ How can you be more intentional to share Christ with those around you who are lost?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?