Grow In Faith, Sharing Faith

Matthew 28:16-20

Connecting Questions

Share a time when you were so excited about something that you just had to tell other people about it. Was it easy to talk about it? Why?
What are some thoughts or images that come to your mind when you hear the term evangelism? Why?

Context

This week we continue our worship series called “Grow In Faith” by looking at the spiritual practice of sharing faith. The text comes from the final scene of the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus has risen from the dead and he meets his disciples on a mountain in Galilee. This passage has been commonly called The Great Commission. Think about that word...co-mission. It is a mission that Jesus is sending his disciples to do both together with (co) each other and with him.

The term evangelism is often associated with the practice of sharing faith. The term literally translates the term Good News or Gospel. Jesus does not use the term Gospel in this passage, but he does use it frequently in other places as he shares the Good News of his kingdom and commissions his disciples to share the good news with others; to be “good news-ers” or to evangelize. This is what it means to share faith.

Look at the Book

Read Matthew 28:16-20.
Who is with Jesus as he says these things?
What reactions did the disciples have when they saw the resurrected Jesus (verse 17)?
What does Jesus say about himself?
The term “Go” in verse 19 is not an actual command, but can be translated “as you are going.” How might this translation alter your understanding of Jesus instructions?
The term disciple literally means learner/student/apprentice. What are the implications of this term regarding what the disciples are inviting the nations to do/become?
What are the two components of making disciples in verse 19? What might this look like in every day life?
What is Jesus' final promise to the disciples?

Taking it Home

Is there a difference between “making converts” and “making disciples?” If so, discuss the positive and negative aspects of each phrase.
What does it mean to “obey everything that Jesus commanded?” What did Jesus command the disciples to do during his ministry?
What are some reasons disciples of Jesus today might find it difficult to share their faith with people who are not followers of Jesus?
How might you share your faith “as you are going” throughout your daily rhythms of life?

Grow Guide | September 4, 2022