[1]NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Gospel Project curriculum.
Bible Passage: Matthew 28:16-20
Discussion Questions: Who obeyed the Great Commission in leading to your own conversion? Why is the authority of Jesus so important for understanding the Great Commission?
Food for Thought:
The Great Commission is one of the most well-known passages of Scripture. Most of the time, we think of it as starting with “Go” in verse 19, but the word “therefore,” also in verse 19, points back to the strong statement in verse 18 of Jesus’ total authority in heaven and on earth.
[2]16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”
Why is it important to remember verse 18? Because we only fulfill the Great Commission when we obey the Great Commander.
What is unique about this Commander is that Jesus’ power empowers and Jesus’ authority authorizes. He is unlike people in power who like to make their subjects feel powerless. No, this Commander invites His followers to experience His power, which is demonstrated in the giving of love.
So, we go as a people under the authority of Jesus. But we also go as a people who worship Jesus. Before the imperative to His followers in verse 19 to “make disciples,” is the description of His followers in verse 17 confirming they “worshiped” Him.
Worshiping Jesus is a declaration of your high regard for the authority of Jesus. He is worth obeying. He is worth submitting to His Great Commission.
The Gospel Project
The Gospel Project is a Christ-centered curriculum that examines the grand narrative of Scripture and how the gospel transforms the lives of those it touches. Through a three-year study plan, participants are immersed in the gospel through stories, theological concepts, and calls to missions from Genesis to Revelation. Separate study plans for kids and students/adults ensure the proper focus and depth. The Gospel Project is designed to unify an entire church under a single Christ-centered curriculum. More information, free samples, and The Gospel Project blog can be found at gospelproject.com [3].
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool [4].