We were made to grow with God. Jesus’ call to discipleship is a calling to enter a new life of perpetual growth and development in the image of Christ. We need a single-minded focus. We need to take up the calling of discipleship. We need to have our minds set on this goal and walk with God daily toward growth.
Key Texts: Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:42-47; Ephesians 2:1-10; 4:11-16; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 1; Jeremiah 17:5-8; Galatians 2:20-21; Philippians 1:6; 3:10
SERMON OUTLINE
“They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’” (Luke 24:32)
Jesus with Us on the Pilgrimage of Life (Luke 24:1-18)
Jesus Speaking God’s Word into Our Souls (Luke 24:19-27)
Jesus Setting Our Hearts on Fire (Luke 24:28-32)
Jesus Sending Us to Others as His Witnesses (Luke 24:33-35)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What do you think it means to be a disciple of Jesus?
- As we continue our series “Roots,” this week we will consider what it means to be disciples of Christ. Our primary passage for study is Luke 24:13-35. Begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through His word, and then read that passage aloud.
- How would you describe the situation of the two disciples traveling to Emmaus from Jerusalem in verses 13-18?
- How does Jesus engage in conversation with them (24:17, 19)? Why might this be important?
- What stands out to you about their summary of recent activities (24:19-24)?
- Verse 27 reads, “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”What Scriptures do you think Jesus might have referenced in His explanation?
- Discipleship is rooted in the truth of God’s Word. Why do you think it is important that all of Scripture leads to Jesus? What does that mean about who Jesus really is?
- Jesus joins these two disciples for a meal, but things change drastically as they eat together (27:30-31). What happens?
- Recognition is an important theme in this passage, both in 24:16 and 24:31. In one sense, disciples of Jesus are those who encounter Jesus and recognize who He is in their lives. When did you first encounter Jesus and recognize who He was in your own life?
- The disciples quickly get up, returning to Jerusalem to tell the believers assembled there about what had happened on their journey and their encounter with Jesus. In Acts 1:8, Jesus said that His followers would be “witnesses.” How is the story in Luke 24 an example of disciples being witnesses?
- In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus speaks a special mission to His disciples. Read that passage aloud. What are the different elements of the mission?
- The inward encounter of disciples with Jesus must be coupled with the outward mission of disciples with Jesus. What does that mean for your own life setting, relation- ships, work, and endeavors?
- How is God speaking to you about living out your calling as part of God’s community, the church? What is one specific thing that God is drawing your attention to right now? How might your life look different as a result of what you are considering with God? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write it down and share it with someone this week.
DIG DEEPER
- Read the Gospel of Mark in one setting, making notes about what it means to be a disciple
- Two essential books on discipleship are: Robert E. Coleman’s The Master Plan of Evangelism and Dallas Willard’s The Spirit of the Disciplines
- What daily practices for growth in your individual discipleship are you making use of? • Are you in a small group for discipleship growth? If not, start or join a group.
- How intentional are you about being a witness to Jesus in your life? What do you think it might look like to grow in that?