Answering the Call

1. ME (Engage with a Personal Story or Example)

Objective: Share a personal story that illustrates wrestling with or responding to a significant call or challenge.

Example:

Talk about a time when you felt compelled to do something difficult but meaningful (e.g., taking on a challenging ministry role or helping someone in need despite hesitation).

Relate this feeling to the disciples’ mix of worship and doubt in Matthew 28:17.

Transition Statement: "We’ve all had moments where we’ve faced a calling bigger than ourselves, and that’s where the disciples were in this passage—standing before the risen Jesus with both worship and doubt in their hearts."

2. WE (Connect with the Audience’s Shared Experience)

Objective: Highlight the universal struggle of feeling inadequate or uncertain about fulfilling a big task.

Content:

Ask rhetorical questions: "Have you ever felt unqualified for what God was calling you to do? Have you wondered if your life could really make a difference?"

Explain how this is a common human experience—feeling torn between worshiping God and doubting ourselves.

Transition Statement: "This brings us to the moment Jesus gave His disciples their mission—a call not just for them, but for all of us who follow Him."

3. GOD (Explore the Passage)

Objective: Dive into Matthew 28:16-20 and unpack its truths.

Key Points:

Jesus’ Authority (v.18)

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."

Jesus isn’t just sending us out; He’s sending us with His divine authority.

2. The Commission (v.19-20a)

"Go and make disciples of all nations..."

Making disciples involves action—going, baptizing, and teaching.

3. The Promise (v.20b)

"Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Jesus’ presence empowers and sustains us in our mission.

Illustration: Share a story from history or missions about someone who stepped out in faith, trusting Jesus’ authority and presence.

Transition Statement: "So, what does this mean for us today? How do we answer the call in our own lives?"

4. YOU (Challenge the Audience Personally)

Objective: Challenge each individual to respond to the Great Commission.

Application Questions:

"Where is God calling you to ‘go’ in your life—your workplace, your neighborhood, your family?"

"Who is one person you can begin discipling or sharing the Gospel with this week?"

Practical Steps:

Encourage them to pray for courage and clarity.

Challenge them to take one intentional step this week to fulfill the Great Commission.

Transition Statement: "When we answer Jesus’ call, we don’t just impact individual lives—we transform communities."

5. WE (Cast a Vision for Collective Impact)

Objective: Inspire the congregation with the vision of what happens when the church answers the Great Commission together.

Content:

Imagine the impact if everyone in the room shared the Gospel with one person this year.

Highlight how the early disciples, though few, changed the world by answering the call.

Call to Action:

Close with a time of prayer, asking God to move in and through the church to reach the lost.