Read John 20:19-23.
Herein we find Jesus’ commissioning statement in the Gospel of John: “…As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” Jesus is said to have been sent by God more than forty times in John’s Gospel. Now, John wants the reader to see that this idea of being “sent” is to become a key characteristic of Jesus’ disciples, as well; carrying on the mission of God is at the very heart of discipleship.
Q1) Do you tend to think of carrying on the mission of God as being at the very heart of discipleship and at the very heart of your own life? Why or why not?
Engaging with the Mission of God Physically
Read John 1:14 and John 20:20.
Q2) What do these verses say about the way Jesus was sent physically?
As those who are sent by Jesus, we must engage with the mission of God physically, just as He did. Two ways we can do this are by taking care of our bodies and by being with people.
Q3) How are you doing at taking care of (but not worshipping) your body?
Q4) How are you doing at being with people who don’t know Jesus (neighbors, coworkers, classmates, family members)?
Engaging with the Mission of God Purposefully
Read John 1:4, 9, 12-13.
Q5) How do these verses speak to Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth? And how would you describe that purpose?
As those who are sent by Jesus, we must engage with the mission of God purposefully, just as He did. Two ways we can do this are by maintaining God’s missional purpose (reach the lost, make disciples, baptize, teach the Word) and being intentional in the relationships God has given us.
Q7) Is it difficult for you to maintain God’s purpose for the church and for your life? Why or why not? When you drift from God’s purpose, where do you tend to look for purpose?
Q8) How are you doing at being intentional to reach the non-believers God has put in your life with the Gospel?
Engaging the Mission of God Powerfully
Read John 1:1-5 and John 20:19.
Q9) How do these verses speak to Jesus’ power?
Read John 20:22.
Q10) The Holy Spirit is the source of the church’s power as we seek to carry on God’s mission in the world. How do we receive the Spirit and live a Spirit-filled life?
As those who are sent by Jesus, we must engage with the mission of God powerfully, just as He did. Two ways we can do this are by knowing and believing the Gospel message and by reframing our thinking about weakness and power.
Q11) How confident are you that you know the Gospel message well enough that you could share it clearly? (If you are not confident, you can use Two Ways to Live as a tool for develop fluency in sharing the Gospel. Pamphlets are located in the information board near the stairs at River).
Read 1 Corinthians 2:3-5 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
Q12) How should these passages reframe our thinking about weakness and power, especially when it comes to sharing about Jesus?
Q13) Why is it difficult to consistently live with this framework? How do we grow in this area?
Q14) What is one change you need to make this week (internal or external) as a result of hearing from God’s Word?