Weekly Discussion Guide

Pastor Matt talked about how Jesus sends his people into the world to advance his Kingdom, and to demonstrate his compassion to the spiritually lost.

MY STORY
Describe a time when you went on a trip and forgot a crucial item. How did you adapt?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, "Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town. (Matthew 10:5-15)

Who were the Apostles supposed to avoid on this particular mission? Upon whom were they to focus? What was the message they were given to proclaim?

What two types of responses were they supposed to expect?

Why do you think Jesus told the Apostles not to take anything with them?

Given that Jesus was still here on Earth and able to do all the things he instructed the disciples to do, why do you think he sent his Apostles out on this assignment?

What does God want us to hear? Based on the passage and the questions above, what "takeaways" do you think God has revealed to you?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
The Apostles were all given the same instructions—they were going out to do the same work—but they were leaving different situations. Some were more comfortable than others in their home lives. Some were more adventurous.

Think about what it might cost someone to show up and volunteer at our church. How does that impact how you think about service—or might invite someone to join you in serving?

Regardless of the personal cost, does Jesus ask us all to do the same things? Why or why not?

What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit's leading, call us to?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
There are many instructions in this passage – many action words that Jesus uses when he speaks to his Apostles. Go ... proclaim ... heal ... raise ... cleanse ... cast out, etc. Which of these instructions would be the easiest for you? Which would be the most difficult?

What would be your biggest concern if you were in the Apostles' shoes?

Have you ever felt a tug on your heart ... or maybe a quiet, still voice directing you to take action? Maybe it was to make a phone call or to stop and talk with someone in the church lobby. Take a moment to reflect on your thoughts and feelings in that moment. Did you make excuses or were you eager to act? What ended up happening?

Ask God to show you specific ways this week that you can reach people. You might not have to go very far from your home in order to do it—or maybe you will! Either way, ask Him for direction and courage to do whatever He instructs. Tell someone about your intention and be sure to follow up with them at the end of the week so they know how it went.

What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?

Tags: go, sent, proclaim