C+C Tennessee Discussion Guide
Text: Matthew 28:16–20
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Summary
The church does not invent its mission; it receives it from the risen King.
Matthew 28 shows Jesus speaking after His resurrection, declaring that all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Him. The Great Commission is not rooted in human creativity, church branding, or personal preference. It flows from the victory and lordship of Christ. Because Jesus reigns, His people are sent.
The central command is to make disciples. Going, baptizing, and teaching are all part of that disciple-making mission. A disciple is a learning follower of Jesus, someone who increasingly trusts Him, obeys Him, and helps others do the same. This obedience is not the basis of salvation; it is the fruit of grace in those who have been reconciled to God through Christ.
This mission belongs to the whole church and to every believer. God has entrusted His people with the message of reconciliation: rebel sinners can be forgiven and brought near through the finished work of Jesus. The Gospel is not merely good advice for better living; it is the good news that Christ saves sinners by grace.
Cross+Crown’s vision is to saturate our cities with the Gospel by multiplying Gospel communities. That means living as visible, available witnesses to Jesus in neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, families, and friendships. The church’s values function as guardrails for that mission: biblical truth, innovation, beauty, service and participation, authentic community, and generosity.
Key Takeaways
Discussion Questions
Practical Applications
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Summary
The church does not invent its mission; it receives it from the risen King.
Matthew 28 shows Jesus speaking after His resurrection, declaring that all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Him. The Great Commission is not rooted in human creativity, church branding, or personal preference. It flows from the victory and lordship of Christ. Because Jesus reigns, His people are sent.
The central command is to make disciples. Going, baptizing, and teaching are all part of that disciple-making mission. A disciple is a learning follower of Jesus, someone who increasingly trusts Him, obeys Him, and helps others do the same. This obedience is not the basis of salvation; it is the fruit of grace in those who have been reconciled to God through Christ.
This mission belongs to the whole church and to every believer. God has entrusted His people with the message of reconciliation: rebel sinners can be forgiven and brought near through the finished work of Jesus. The Gospel is not merely good advice for better living; it is the good news that Christ saves sinners by grace.
Cross+Crown’s vision is to saturate our cities with the Gospel by multiplying Gospel communities. That means living as visible, available witnesses to Jesus in neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, families, and friendships. The church’s values function as guardrails for that mission: biblical truth, innovation, beauty, service and participation, authentic community, and generosity.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus Defines Mission - The church’s mission is not self-chosen. The risen Christ commands His people to make disciples which is possible because all authority belongs to Him.
- Disciples Make Disciples - Every Christian is called to help others know, trust, obey, and follow Jesus. We begin with what we know: Christ saves sinners through His death and resurrection.
- Gospel Saturates Cities - The Gospel is meant to move through ordinary people in ordinary places. God uses His people as ambassadors of reconciliation wherever He sends them.
Discussion Questions
- What stands out to you about the setting of Matthew 28:16–20, especially the worship and doubt mentioned before Jesus gives the commission?
- Why is “all authority” the foundation for the command to make disciples?
- How do going, baptizing, and teaching work together in the process of making disciples?
- When you think about being a “fully devoted follower of Jesus,” what feels encouraging, and what feels challenging?
- How can our group grow from being spectators into active participants in the mission of Jesus?
Practical Applications
- Identify Your Mission Field - Choose one place God has already sent you: your home, workplace, neighborhood, school, or regular routine. Pray for the people there and look for an opportunity to speak or serve in Jesus’ name.
- Start with the Gospel - You do not need every answer to begin making disciples. Practice explaining the good news simply: Jesus died and rose again so sinners can be forgiven and reconciled to God by grace through faith.
- Spectating to Serving - Ask where your gifts, time, or resources can strengthen the church’s mission. Take one concrete step toward participation rather than simply attendance.