Listen in Community
Small Group Study
Overview
Last time, we learned the amazing truth that Jesus defeated death. Jesus was crucified. On the third day, He rose from the dead just as He said He would! When something incredible like that happens, it demands a response. Jesus’ followers couldn’t just go on living life as before. This changed everything! But what was the next step? How would this miracle impact their mission?
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Engage
QUESTION Most people live their life with a sense of mission. The mission of being famous, the mission of being secure, the mission of being loved and respected are just a few of the things people pursue. What might people close to you say is your mission in life? How does the mission of God differ from those missions?
In today’s session, Jesus gave His followers some final instructions. After the Resurrection, Jesus spent forty days with His followers. He taught them and prepared them for His departure. Just before He returned to heaven to be with His Father, He had something very important to say.
Watch
As we watch this video, consider this question:
QUESTION God wants everyone to “go into all the world.” What might that look like for you?
Consider
Have you ever tried to assemble a grill, a basketball hoop, or a child’s toy? If so, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of trying to follow unclear instructions. It’s crazy how poorly some instructional manuals are written, not to mention the uselessness of the images and diagrams. You may have found yourself questioning the goodness of God about halfway into the task. All kidding aside, whether assembling a trampoline, building a deck, or taking a cooking class, we all appreciate good, clear instructions.
QUESTION
Do you have a story to share about a time when you tried to assemble something, and it
didn’t go smoothly?
What the Bible Says While instructions from others can be unclear, Jesus’ directive in Matthew 28:18–20 is clear, compelling, and timeless. It’s often referred to as the Great Commission. Jesus was instructing His followers about how they should spend the rest of their lives in light of His life, death, and resurrection.
This commissioning of His followers wasn’t just for the men and women gathered on that day. It wasn’t just for those who saw Him ascend into heaven. It’s for you and me too! Much like God sent Jesus into the world, Jesus is sending us into the world. And He’s provided clear instructions about what it means to be sent.
Worshippers and Doubters Read Matthew 28:16–17.
It’s interesting to note that Jesus gave His command to both the worshippers and the doubters. Wherever you are in your journey of faith, Jesus has a mission for you. You don’t have to have all your questions answered to begin living on mission for Him!
QUESTION How have you wrestled with doubts in your faith journey or about something Jesus has told you to do?
The Command Read Matthew 28:18–20.
Jesus’ statement that all authority had been given to Him shows His unique position of power to give this command. It’s important to note that in the original language, the verb that is translated here as “go” is better understood as “in your going” or “as you go.” Jesus was saying that making disciples isn’t something we do at specific times or in specific places. Making disciples is something that should be happening in all of “your going.”
Then Jesus shifts to the “how” of disciple making. Baptizing speaks of conversion and public identification as a believer. Teaching addresses the need for ongoing spiritual growth. All are important as people grow closer to Jesus. He expects us to invest in relationships that bear fruit.
QUESTION What does it look like for you to make disciples in all “your going”—in your home, neighborhood, and workplace?
The Instructions Read Acts 1:3–8.
The Book of Acts is the sequel to the Gospel of Luke. The Book of Luke is primarily about the work of Jesus. Acts is primarily about the work of Jesus’ disciples. Of course, both Jesus and His disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit, a key theme in both books. In this opening chapter, Luke connects the work of Jesus and the work of His disciples by providing an important look at their final moments together.
Jesus gave His disciples two clear instructions: “Do not leave Jerusalem,” and “Wait for the gift my Father has promised.” Jesus came to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth, and part of that plan required Him to go back to heaven until the day of His return.
QUESTION We can be guilty at times of focusing on building the wrong kingdom. What are some “counterfeit kingdoms” that we can be distracted by?
The Ascension Read Acts 1:9–11.
It’s hard to imagine what this moment must have been like. On one hand, it seems like nothing would surprise the disciples anymore. But on the other hand, they had just watched Jesus go up into the clouds! Not surprisingly, they stood staring until the angels came to give them even more good news.
QUESTION According to John 14:2–3, Jesus ascended to prepare a place for you and me to be with Him someday. How do you imagine that place? What do you think it will be like?
Reflect
I’m so thankful that Jesus didn’t leave us alone. He gave us His Holy Spirit, He gave us each other, and He gave us a mission. Christians can fall into the trap of thinking of church as a place, but the Church is the people of God. And the Church doesn’t only gather, it scatters. The Book of Acts is the story of how the Church scattered all over the known world to fulfill the Great Commission and to be Jesus’ witnesses.
We must never lose sight of the truth that God is a sending God. He always draws us in to send us out. God the Father sent His Son. The Son sent the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit has been given to us to go and continue the work of Jesus to this very day! We’ve been sent!
Listen to God
The goal of Listen is not only to gain an understanding of God’s Word, but also to pause and listen to what God our Creator might want to say to us about what we have read and shared. Be silent for a few moments and reflect on the following questions. Choose the one that most resonates with what God is saying to you now. Then complete the others during Day 1 of your devotion time this week.
Personal Reflection Questions
Record your answers to the following questions in the space provided or in your personal journal.
QUESTION Think through your average day. Where do you go and who are you around? What next steps do you need to take to begin making disciples “as you go?”
QUESTION When you think of the disciples in Matthew 28:16, do you identify more with the worshippers or the doubters? Why?
QUESTION Is there anyone in your life who is discipling you? Mentoring or coaching you? If not, who could you ask to do so?
QUESTION If you have walked with the Lord for a long time, who are you discipling, mentoring, and coaching?
Prayer Requests
Note any requests from the group and remember to pray for them during the week.
Before next time, continue to listen with the personal devotions.
Did You Know?
Luke was a remarkable historian. His attention to detail is likely connected to the fact that he was a physician by profession. His research and reporting on the life of Christ and the Early Church provide us with some of the most detailed accounts in the New Testament. Sir William Mitchell Ramsay (1851–1939) is regarded as one of the greatest archaeologists ever to have lived. He began as a skeptic, but after his own studies, he was strongly convinced of his belief in the reliability of Luke’s writings. As a result, he became a believer. Ramsay concluded that “Luke is a historian of the first rank; not merely are his statements of fact trustworthy . . . this author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians.” He later added: “Luke's history is unsurpassed in respect of its trustworthiness.”
Listen on Your Own
Listening to God is something we need to do every day. Before you begin each devotion, pray and ask God to speak to you through His Word. Record your answers to the following questions in the space provided or in your personal journal.
Day 1 Read Matthew 28:16–20.
Look back over Listen in Community and complete your responses to the Personal Reflection Questions. If time permits, reread the Scripture too.
QUESTION What do you sense that God is saying to you?
Listen on Your Own
Day 2 Read Genesis 12:1–9.
In this passage, God chose a man to be the father of His people, the Israelites. God told Abram (whose name is later changed to Abraham) to leave everything he knew and to follow God. He doesn’t even tell Abram where he’s going! But just like Matthew 28, God provides a command and a promise. And the promise in Genesis 12:2–3 is amazing!
QUESTION What does God promise Abram? How does Abram respond?
QUESTION What does verse 1 teach us about what it means to follow and trust God?
QUESTION Abram obeys immediately. What is something you need to do today as a response of immediate obedience?
QUESTION Abram’s response in verses 7–8 is to build an altar and worship. Take a moment now and “build an altar” right where you are and worship God for who He is and what He’s done.
Listen on Your Own
Day 3 Read Jeremiah 29:1–14.
The people of Judah were in exile in Babylon. They were hoping for a quick return to their homeland. They had no interest in engaging with the Babylonian world around them. But the prophet Jeremiah wrote a prophetic letter, directing them to settle in and serve in Babylon. Yes, someday God would bring His people home, but for now they had a work to do. And the same is true for you and me.
QUESTION What are the Lord’s instructions to the people in exile? (verses 4–7)
QUESTION According to verses 8–9, we know the false prophets were telling the people what they wanted to hear, but it wasn’t God’s truth. What are some hard truths from God’s Word that have been challenging you recently?
QUESTION In verses 11–14, what do we learn about the heart of God for His people?
QUESTION What might it look like for you, your family, and your church to work for “the peace and the prosperity” of your city? Brainstorm some practical ideas.
Listen on Your Own
Day 4 Read John 4:21–38.
In this story, Jesus was in a conversation with a Samaritan woman. This conversation was unusual because the Jews and Samaritans shared a history of intense racial tensions that at times escalated to violence. It was also unusual because men and women wouldn’t usually speak to each other in public—especially if they were strangers. But Jesus was living on mission, and He had a purpose for speaking to this woman.
QUESTION What do you think it means to worship God “in spirit and in truth”?
QUESTION What did the woman do when she realized Jesus might be the Messiah? (verses 28–30)
QUESTION Who in your life could you invite to “come and see”? Why not reach out to them today?
Listen on Your Own
Day 5 Read Isaiah 6.
This passage contains a vision of the prophet Isaiah. He saw the Lord in His throne room surrounded by angels. As a result, Isaiah was immediately overwhelmed with his own sinfulness. But God acted on Isaiah’s behalf to remove his guilt and forgive his sins. God had a work to be done and was looking for someone to commission as His messenger. Isaiah’s response was the right response.
QUESTION Why do you think the vision of God caused Isaiah to recognize his own sinfulness?
QUESTION How has your relationship with God made you more aware of your sinfulness and more grateful for His forgiveness?
QUESTION What did God do to remove your guilt and forgive your sins?
QUESTION God is still asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people?” (verse 8). How will you answer that question?
QUESTION What mission and message has God given to all of His children? How are you living that out?
