Jesus has done this and now He sends His closest followers to do what He has done. He calls and commissions the apostles to go.
Matthew 9:35-10:25
SERMON OUTLINE
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)
The Disciples Called (9:35-10:1)
- Jesus’ Heart
- Jesus’ Focus
- Jesus’ Need
The Apostles Formed (10:2-15)
- Jesus’ Servants
- Jesus’ Message
- Jesus’ Way
The Apostles Warned (10:16-25)
- Jesus’ Reality
- Jesus’ Insight
- Jesus’ Family
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What was a time that you were overwhelmed with compassion? What did it move you to do? How did it impact your lives and your community?
- Spend time reading out loud this week’s scripture passage. Matthew 9:35-10:25.
- Identify the places that Jesus’ compassion moved Him in this passage. What were the outcomes? Are there continuing outcomes because of Christ’s overwhelming response? 4. The diversity of beliefs, backgrounds, and families represented in the newly formed
- Apostolic community teaches us a few things about Jesus’ compassionate Gospel. What
- do you see these lessons to be? How can diversity help us in our sharing of the Gospel? 5. The Gospel and compassion go hand in hand! How so? What are the things about the gospel that have shown you compassion?
- Jesus gives the Apostles the authority and means to carry out miracles far and wide to proclaim the breaking in of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus also, in the previous pericope demonstrates how exactly this should look. Go back and read those passages (9:9-9:34). What specific ways did Jesus illustrate compassion? How was Jesus spreading the Gospel?
- Jesus gives the Apostles a glimpse into their future, a glimpse into the hardships of being a part of the Kingdom work. It doesn’t look pretty. And we know it ends up not being so pretty for most of the Apostles. How was this prediction, however dire, an act of compassion? What was Jesus’ goal here? Reflect on some of the persecution the Apostles endured for the Kingdom. How would you respond with compassion to similar circumstances?
- Jesus tells the Apostles that they indeed are part of His family. What comes with being a part of Jesus’ family? How can you respond to that reality with compassion?
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Matthew 9:36-38
- Identify a person, group of persons, or cause that requires much compassion for you. Learn more about them, engage with that area, and consider spreading compassion in that direction.
- Watch “Compassion” theme video from The Bible Project