GOING - Matthew 28:16-20 (FROM “RED LETTER CHALLENGE”)

Main Idea: Jesus communicated to his Disciples then and, I believe to us by extension, that it is our job to go and make disciples.  This is the most basic, challenging, and well known command.  But we struggle to do it, why?  I don’t think it’s surprising that the world and our enemy distorts this calling to look like something that it isn’t.  Today, we want to dive deep into what Jesus was saying to his disciples when he uttered these timeless words. I think he was saying three things.

HIS AUTHORITY INSPIRES OUR ACTION

Matthew 28:18

Sent by His Power, Not Ours - We don’t go in our own strength; we go in his authority.

Sent, Not Settled - We can’t go and sit still

Boldness Comes From Belief - If He has all the authority, then we can have all the confidence.

HIS MISSION DEMANDS OUR MOVEMENT

Matthew 28:19

Go, Don’t Gaze - The mission is forward moving

Engage, Don’t Withdraw - Disciples are made (primarily) out there, not in here.

Move, Don’t Maintain - The difference between believing and following is movement.

HIS TRUTH SHAPES OUR TEACHING

Matthew 28:20

Transformation Over Information - Discipleship reaches the heart, not just the mind.

Application Over Explanation - Teaching is about doing, not just knowing.

Ongoing, Not Just Occasional - Teaching isn’t a task to complete, but a lifestyle to aim for.