Main Thought
God is on a mission to rescue Mankind and restore Creation. This is sometimes referred to as “Missio Dei,” or the Mission of God. God included us in His mission, giving us the opportunity to make a difference that lasts forever. So where do we begin? The process of making disciples begins when we engage others and share the good news about Jesus. That task can seem daunting at times. But engaging others doesn’t have to begin with boldness. The first people to ever declare that Jesus rose again were the women who went to visit His tomb. They didn’t necessarily feel “bold” when they started. Engaging others doesn’t need to begin with bulletproof arguments or evidence either. Even the strongest evidence imaginable - seeing the resurrected Jesus - failed to fully convince some people. Engaging others begins when we share our experiences in God with other people. We “brag about what we’ve beheld” in the hopes that others may come to behold God too.
Main Passages
2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
- Matthew 28:2-10
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
- Matthew 28:18-20
19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
- Matthew 4:19
Discussion Questions
Is there anything that keeps you from engaging others, building relationships, or sharing the good news about Jesus?
Share one good thing that God has done for you with your Life Group.
What’s something you (or your group) could try to engage people who don’t know God in your spheres of influence?