What Does Jesus Expect Us To Do Now?

Connect Value: NEXT

This is the value we talk about the least.

We are not done!

BUT…

What IS next?????

That’s the place we find ourselves in today… How exactly are we to carry out the mission Jesus gave us???

PRAY

The Gospel of Matthew:

Matthew gives us our true identity as disciples of the Messiah and citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew shows us Jesus, with whom we have begun a deeply intimate and loyal relationship.

Matthew reveals Jesus’ unbending expectations and His unending grace, contrasting Him with the fake solutions and saviors offered by this world.

Matthew demonstrates the authority with which we are sent out so we might fulfill our disciple-making ministry with confidence in Jesus.

Matthew details Jesus’ act of sacrifice and forgiveness on the cross, leading to Jesus’ act of power and victory in the resurrection.

Matthew promises the reward that waits for the good and faithful servant.

Matthew sets before us a detailed example, given by Jesus Himself, of exactly how we are to carry out our commission.

Matthew 28:16–20 (NIV)

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

When Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” this is what He means…

Jesus has ALL the authority.

Not…

SOME of the authority.

A LOT of the authority.

Not even…

MOST of the authority.

Instead…

ALL OF THE AUTHORITY.

And because He has ALL the authority, He can say things like this...

Therefore go

Jesus says…

Go.

This is why we say…

You are sent.

Not…

Come back soon.

Survive till next week.

Think “positive thoughts.”

Instead…

GO DO SOMETHING.

Therefore GO and make disciples of all nations,

When you are sent, your mission is to…

Make disciples.

At Connect, our stated mission is to “glorify God by being disciples who make disciples.”

The only way to make a disciple is to model something worth imitating.

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 1:5–7 (NIV)

You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.

Therefore GO and MAKE DISCIPLES of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

A major step in making disciples is…

Baptize people who want to follow Jesus.

Not…

Pray a prayer.

Go to church.

Instead…

Immerse into the Father, Son and Spirit.

WHY DO WE BAPTIZE LIKE WE DO????

Acts 2:38 (NIV)

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore GO and MAKE DISCIPLES of all nations, BAPTIZING them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

After belief, comes immediate obedience, so…

Teach everything Jesus said.

BUT…before you can teach obedience, you have to obey.

These kinds of things…

Love

Forgive

Care

Give

Heal

Pursue

Be HOLY

Boil it down to this…

First… You Obey.

Then… You Teach.

Can I share something super practical with you???

Four Fields Teaching

Field 1 - THE EMPTY FIELD

Survey the territory

Pray for opportunity - before you walk in

Field 2 - SOW THE SEEDS OF THE GOSPEL

Talk about Jesus - whenever you get the chance

Our staff call them “Kingdom Conversations”

Share Three Circles

Field 3 - TEACH NEW BELIEVERS

Teach for obedience - but you MUST obey first

Field 4 - GATHER AND MOBILIZE THE CHURCH

Do what we’re doing right now

Gather — Worship — Challenge — YOU ARE SENT

But THAT’S NOT THE BEST PART!!!

Back to Matthew 28 for the very end of what Jesus said…

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Your risen King NEVER leaves you.

INVITATION: Obey Jesus in SURRENDER

CHALLENGE: Obey Jesus in GOING

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

What does it mean to be sent out as disciples, according to Matthew 28:19?

In what ways can you 'go' and actively share your faith with those around you?

How does baptism play a crucial role in making disciples, based on the sermon?

What does baptism mean to you, and how does it serve as a commitment to follow Jesus in your life?

How does the promise of Jesus being with us always encourage you in your mission as a disciple?

In moments when you feel unsure or alone while sharing your faith, how can you remind yourself of Jesus' promise to be with you?