Study Guide: The Mission is Still The Mission

Scripture Focus: Matthew 28:18 Opens in a new window -20 [00:10 Opens in a new window ]

Series Theme: Go, Make, Baptize

Part 1: Introduction & Opening Thought

The Big Idea: Jesus did not leave His church wondering what to do next; before ascending into heaven, He gave His followers a clear, active assignment [00:29 Opens in a new window ].
The Weight of Final Words: Last instructions carry heavy weight. Just as a parent, coach, or leader's final words before parting matter, Jesus's final earthly instructions set the eternal mission for His followers [01:32 Opens in a new window ].
Discussion Question: Why do you think final instructions or parting words often carry more significance than things said earlier? Can you think of a time when someone's parting advice stuck with you?

Part 2: Key Lesson Breakdown

1. "Go" — Faith Has Movement

Scripture Reference: Matthew 28:19 Opens in a new window (“Therefore go...”) [06:15 Opens in a new window ]
Core Truth: Faith was never meant to stay safe or stay put [06:02 Opens in a new window ]. The gospel has movement, and "faith has feet" [06:25 Opens in a new window ].
The Mission Field: Going does not always require a passport or an international plane ride [10:07 Opens in a new window ]. The mission field can be across the street, at a workplace, inside a coffee shop, or right inside our own homes [10:10 Opens in a new window ].
Discussion Question: What are some "safe places" in our daily routines where we might be tempted to keep our faith stationary rather than letting it "move"? Where is your personal mission field this week?

2. "Make" — Making Disciples, Not Just Converts

Scripture Reference: Matthew 28:19 Opens in a new window (“...make disciples of all nations...”) [12:03 Opens in a new window ]
Core Truth: There is a distinct difference between making a quick decision and becoming a disciple [12:11 Opens in a new window ]. A decision can happen in a single moment, but discipleship happens over a lifetime [12:21 Opens in a new window ].
Relational Ministry: Discipleship is learning to follow Jesus, becoming like Him, and learning to live out what He taught [13:09 Opens in a new window ]. Furthermore, Jesus explicitly commanded us to “teach them to obey everything I have commanded you” [03:49 Opens in a new window ].
Discussion Question: How does viewing Christianity as a "lifetime of following and obeying" change how we view evangelism compared to just sharing facts or trying to win an argument?

3. "Baptize" — Publicly Belonging to Jesus

Scripture Reference: Matthew 28:19 Opens in a new window (“...baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”) [03:49 Opens in a new window ]
Core Truth: Baptism is not an afterthought; it is an integral part of the Great Commission [17:28 Opens in a new window ]. Following Jesus was never meant to be a secret [17:43 Opens in a new window ].
Symbolism: Baptism is a public declaration stating, "I belong to Jesus, my old life is buried, and I have been raised to a new life with Him" [18:09 Opens in a new window ].
Discussion Question: Why do you think public identity and community are so vital to the Christian walk? What challenges do people face when trying to live out a "secret" faith?

4. The Authority & The Promise

Scripture Reference: Matthew 28:18 Opens in a new window , 20 (“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me... And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”) [03:35 Opens in a new window ]
Core Truth: The Great Commission is bookended by power and presence. It begins with the supreme authority of King Jesus and ends with His unbreakable promise that we never walk alone [22:06 Opens in a new window ].
Discussion Question: How does knowing that Jesus holds "all authority" and promises to be with you "always" change your confidence when sharing your faith or stepping into uncomfortable situations?

Part 3: Application & Reflection

Personal Inventory: Who are the people in your sphere of influence (family, coworkers, neighbors) who might be waiting to experience the love of Christ through you [27:25 Opens in a new window ]?
Action Step: This week, instead of waiting for opportunities to find you, try to actively make an opportunity to encourage, pray for, or share the love of Christ with one person [24:34 Opens in a new window ].

Part 4: Closing Prayer

Spend a few moments in prayer using these words as a guide:

"Lord, thank You for trusting us with Your mission. Give us the courage to step out of our comfort zones, look for the everyday mission fields right in front of us, and make disciples who follow and obey You. Remind us that we are never alone, because You are with us always. In Jesus' name, Amen." [28:22 Opens in a new window ]

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