Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Matthew 28:18-20), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• Christians and churches throughout the ages and around the world should consider this Great Commission to be their simple, straightforward “mission statement.” We are given the privilege of participating in Jesus’ own mission—even as the Father sent him, so he sends us (John 20:21). With the Triune God, being brought into communion/relationship with him also means sharing in the other-oriented love and “sent-ness” of Christ that is “native” to the Trinity. You cannot receive the Sent One and simultaneously refuse him when he sends you. Do you know much about Jesus, about who he is and what he has said and done? Do you know what it is like to be in a relationship with him, to be his disciple? How would you summarize the Gospel in a way a non-Christian friend might understand? Do you want to tell others about Jesus? Why might you not want to tell others about him? What’s your plan for overcoming your hesitation in order to keep his commandment here in the Great Commission?

• The one with “all authority in heaven and on earth” has told his disciples to go make other disciples, to bring others into relationship with Jesus for their life with God. Does Jesus have authority over you? Do you consider this Great Commission as applying to you? Do you fear/respect/honor his authority above all other authorities? If someone in authority over you (boss, teacher, parent, governor, commanding officer, etc.) were to tell you not to talk about Jesus, how can you respond to that person, knowing the authority and presence of Jesus? Have you been in a situation like that before? What did you do? What might you do differently next time? 

• When you wake up each morning, what is your “mission” for the day? Are you mainly pursuing your own survival and comfort, or are you interested in being a disciple of Jesus who responds to his grace by making other disciples (who in turn make yet other disciples)? Do you have people in your life who you are intentionally praying for, that they would become disciples? Are you looking for opportunities to share the Gospel with particular people? Are you trying to help others to grow in their discipleship relationship with Jesus? Do you consider your home, your neighborhood, your work place, your community to be your “mission field”? Do you wonder if Jesus is calling you to foreign missions? (If you do, talk with people from your church and ask them to pray for you!)