Before we learn about the sails, let’s learn about the boat. In this case, the boat is the Church—not a building, but a spiritual family on mission— people learning to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love their neighbor as themselves—the Great Commandment—while moving out together to fulfill the Great Commission, making disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Community Time
Take a few minutes to share any experiences you have had either being discipled by another person or discipling others. Or, what drew you here?
Bible Time
Let’s focus on the Great Commandment. Read Matthew 22:36-40 and answer the following questions:
- What does this passage teach us about God?
- What does this passage teach us about man?
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Most groups won’t have time to discuss every question, so choose a few that seem most relevant for your group. Let the discussion flow naturally, and don’t worry about covering everything. The goal is depth, not distance.
Loving God.
What does it really mean to love God?
Why do you think Jesus uses the word “all”—heart, soul, and mind?
Loving Others
Why does Jesus place loving others on the same level as loving God?
What does the phrase "as yourself" teach us about loving others?
The Bigger Picture
Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18 in his answer.
Loving God.
What does it really mean to love God?
- Read John 14:15, 14:21, and 15:10.
- Now reread Matthew 22:37, inserting the word obey in place of love.
- How does this shift your understanding of what loving God truly involves?
Why do you think Jesus uses the word “all”—heart, soul, and mind?
- Read Colossians 3:16
- What does this teach us about letting God’s Word invade every part of who we are?
Loving Others
Why does Jesus place loving others on the same level as loving God?
- Read John 13:35
- What role did the love of Christ followers for each other play in your spiritual journey?
What does the phrase "as yourself" teach us about loving others?
- Read Ephesians 5:28-29
- How does self-care help define how we care for others?
The Bigger Picture
Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18 in his answer.
- Read Romans 15:4 and 1 Corinthians 10:11
- What does this teach us about the value of the Old Testament?
- What does verse 40 say about how we read and apply the rest of the Bible?
- Overall, how does this passage reshape your understanding of God’s priorities and His heart for humanity?
Now, let's turn to the Great Commission. Read Matthew 28:16-20 and answer the following questions:
- What does this passage teach us about God?
- What does this passage teach us about people?
- What does this passage teach us about making disciples?
FOR DEEPER STUDY
You likely won’t have time to cover every question, so pick a few that resonate most with your group. Focus on meaningful conversation over getting through the entire list. Go deep, not wide.
Context of the Great Commission
The journey from Jerusalem to Galilee was a 70–80 mile walk—no small task.
Jesus told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth..."
The Mission Itself
What role does worship play in fulfilling the Great Commission?
Describe the ways a person can "go" in fulfilling the Great Commission?
What is the difference between making disciples and simply making converts?
Why does Jesus include baptism as part of the mission? Who is to do the baptizing?
What is the difference between teaching others to know versus to obey—and how do we practically do the latter?
The Promise and Our Response
Why is Jesus’ final promise--“I am with you always”—essential to carrying out His mission?
Reflect on this statement: “We don’t fail to fulfill the Great Commission because we don’t know enough. We fail because we don’t obey what we already know. Movements happen not when knowledge increases, but when obedience results in multiplication; disciples making disciples.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?
Context of the Great Commission
The journey from Jerusalem to Galilee was a 70–80 mile walk—no small task.
- What does this reveal about the kind of people Jesus was looking for?
Jesus told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth..."
- What did Jesus have authority over? Read Matthew 11:4, 28:6-7
- Why did Jesus include this statement about His authority before giving the Great Commission?
The Mission Itself
What role does worship play in fulfilling the Great Commission?
Describe the ways a person can "go" in fulfilling the Great Commission?
What is the difference between making disciples and simply making converts?
Why does Jesus include baptism as part of the mission? Who is to do the baptizing?
What is the difference between teaching others to know versus to obey—and how do we practically do the latter?
The Promise and Our Response
Why is Jesus’ final promise--“I am with you always”—essential to carrying out His mission?
Reflect on this statement: “We don’t fail to fulfill the Great Commission because we don’t know enough. We fail because we don’t obey what we already know. Movements happen not when knowledge increases, but when obedience results in multiplication; disciples making disciples.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?
Action Time
Read over and choose one Action Step from the Great Commandment and one from the Great Commission, stating it as an "I will" statement. Be prepared to share your experience at our next meeting.
Action Steps from the Great Commandment.
Action Steps from the Great Commission.
Action Steps from the Great Commandment.
- Love God daily — Choose one daily habit (prayer, Scripture, or thanksgiving) to intentionally show your love for God.
- Surrender fully — Identify one area of your life not yet surrendered to God and take a concrete step to give it to Him.
- Love others practically — Do one intentional act of kindness for a neighbor.
- Practice healthy self-care — Care for yourself in a Christ-centered way (rest, forgiveness, gratitude).
Action Steps from the Great Commission.
- Trust Jesus’ authority — Begin each morning with the prayer: “Jesus, I trust Your authority today” and note how it shapes your actions.
- Invest in disciples — Invite one person into an ongoing spiritual journey with you, not just a one-time decision.
- Share your baptism story — Tell someone how baptism reflects God’s work in your life.
- Rely on Jesus’ presence — Each day, look for one way to depend on Jesus’ presence when you feel weak or unsure, and be ready to share with your group.