Bgroup Lesson Part 12 of 10
Our last words are important and in this study we are going to focus on Jesus' last words. He had something very important he wanted us to hear and understand. The first thing we need to know is that all authority and power has been given to him and because of this he has commanded us to go.
Famous Last Words - Words Matter
Matthew 28:18–20 (NLT) — 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Mark 16:15–18 (NLT) — 15 And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. 16 Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. 17 These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. 18 They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”
Luke 24:46–50 (NLT) — 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things. 49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” 50 Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them.
Jesus gave the disciples a command to stay until the holy spirit had come and filled them with power. None of us should go without the power of the holy spirit going with and before us. This requires us to cultivate a practice of truly waiting on the Lord.
Question: Where is your focus right now?
Jesus called each of us to go. The question isn’t if he has called us but to where he has called us. We won’t all be called to live in another country but there should be a desire in each of us to go and present the gospel to a hurting and dying world.
Question: Who is God sending you to and where has he called you?
God has called each of us to be disciple makers. We can impact people more for Christ when we naturally lead them to Jesus by the way we live. We show love and show the impact of the gospel in our own lives.
Question: How do we bring people into the family of God? Share with the group one way you practice discipleship in your own sphere of influence.
Each of us has a platform and a measure of influence to teach others about Jesus. We can post scriptures on our social media, teach our children, and obey his commands. Question: What has he put in your hands to be used for his kingdom?
Spend some time this week reflecting on Jesus' command to go into the world. If it is his command, he will go with you as you say yes to his plan!