Series: “Vision 2020!”#5
October 11, 2015
GWB
“Following Jesus into the World”
- Matthew 28:16-20 People hunger to be happy; it becomes a lifelong quest. What all people
seek, we have been given—in Jesus. Knowing Christ yields the most
fulfilling life a human being can experience. The simple joy, the freedom, the
unshakeable security, the sure hope that Christ followers receive is what all
people want. So we want others to know him. Longing for others to know the
gifts of the Kingdom motivates witness!
Indeed Jesus came, spreading the news. “Let us go somewhere else—to
nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” Jesus
brought the news of the Kingdom—he healed, he taught, he preached, he
forgave sin. Then he sent out the Twelve: “Freely you have received; freely
give,” he said (Matt. 10:8). He sent out seventy-two disciples, two by two.
And then he died, bearing sin’s penalty. And just as he foretold, he rose
up again, defeating death forever. He sent his followers to the ends of the
earth with the good news of the Kingdom—good news that everyone needs.
I. Our Savior’s authority
Matthew 28:18
1. The disciples met Jesus, as arranged, on a mountain in Galilee (10, 16).
a. It was a momentous time. Already they had seen him at least twice
(John 20:19-29). They knew he was King of kings, the risen Lord.
b. When they saw him, they worshiped (17), their Jewish monotheistic
minds straining to understand that Jesus, the Son of God . . . was God!
Some doubted as they struggled to grasp it all (17).
2. Jesus came near. “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me.”
a. This sweeping claim takes our breath away. Jesus is alluding to
Daniel’s vision, where the Son of Man stands before the Ancient of Days
and is given the Kingdom—authority over the whole world. People of
every language worshiped him (Dan. 7:13-14).
b. No president, no Caesar, no king is Lord. Jesus is the world’s only
rightful Lord.
3. This we confess when we become Christians (Rm 10:9). Standing with the
disciples on the mountain, we realize that we can never captain our lives.
Jesus rules now, he governs history; he captains our destiny. Jesus is Lord!
II. Our Savior’s command
Matthew 28:19-20
1. “Go and make disciples” is Jesus’ simple command. This is it—Jesus’
program for his church for this age. This is why we formulate our mission:
Living for Christ, making disciples, making a difference.
a. This is a command to bear witness, to evangelize. A “disciple” is a
follower of Christ, a Christian (Acts 11:26). To “make disciples” is to bear
witness that others too may become Jesus’ followers.
b. The fulfillment of Daniel’s vision has come; the Kingdom has arrived.
So “go and make disciples” that they may share in the Kingdom! This is a
worldwide endeavor—the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen.
12), with which Matthew’s gospel began (1:1).
2. New disciples are to be baptized in the name of the Triune Lord—buried
with Christ and raised from the water with him to follow after him (19).
a. Baptism announces the gospel. In baptism, public confession of faith is
made. In baptism, the new disciple joins the church of Christ.
b. “Teach them” the good news, teach them my commands, teach them
the Scriptures. Teach them to obey (20). Indeed, Matthew’s gospel is a
compendium of Jesus’ teaching—a fitting discipleship manual.
III. Our Savior’s promise
Matthew 28:20b
1. These disciples were powerless, uneducated, common people. They had no
wealth, no power. Jesus sends them to the whole world—an impossible task!
2. So he assures them: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Jesus is
Immanuel, “God with us” (1:23). The promise of the risen Lord with us when
we witness, with us when we are misunderstood, with us when we are
rejected, with us always enables us to obey. I can’t; he can—OK, let’s go!
Responding to God
We are to follow our Savior into the world—to witness and make disciples!
1. Recognize that the Christian life is lived outside the church.
We gather to worship; we scatter to live for Christ, to serve, and to
witness. Ninety-five percent of life is in the world—on mission!
2. Make a list—a prayer list—pray for people in your circle you want to
witness to. Pray for them.
As we pray for the conversion of others, we pray according to God’s will.
He is a merciful God who longs to save (Ezk. 18:23, 30-32; 2 Pet. 3:9).
3. Spend time with friends, and their friends. Live for Christ with them—
serving and loving them.
Go camping, fishing, canoeing, do garden work with friends. Without
apology, live for Christ. Ask God to use you to show them the way.
4. Know the gospel; prepare your testimony—so you can witness.
You may share a gospel tract. You can share the good news—John 3:1618. Explain our need, what Christ has done to meet our need. Explain that
we all need Jesus. Share how you met him. Love them.
5. Ask God to lead you to people prepared to hear the good news. Ask God to
give you opportunities to witness and share the gospel. He will!
SERMON DISCUSSION ON NEXT PAGE
1. “Knowing Christ yields the most fulfilling life a human being can
experience.” Why is there a natural connection between personally
experiencing the fulfillment Christ brings and openly telling about
your relationship with Christ to others?
2. What do we mean by the words “make disciples”?
3. “No president, no Caesar, no king is Lord. Jesus is the world’s only
rightful Lord.” Compare this statement with 1 Peter 3:15. Why
should the Lordship of Christ motivate us to talk about our faith,
thwarting our fears?
4.
What is the gospel message?
a. What are the key points?
b. What scriptures back up these points?
5. You and your friend have been just talking about the horrible tragedy
of the millions of Syrian refuges. Your friend comments on how the
world is going to pot. How could you use this occasion as an
opportunity to share the gospel with your friend? What would you
share?
6. Pastor Gary has asked us to make a list of people in our circle. Let’s
make a composite list of those we would like to pray for on a regular
basis. And let’s pray for these persons at each of our group
meetings.
7. How can you realistically build friendships with others with the
intent of reaching them for Christ? How can you be strategic in
those relationships?