Jesus Story Week 23: The Commission

April 19, 2026   /   First Baptist Church Elgin

Day 1 – Sent by Jesus

Summary

The risen Jesus did not simply save His followers—He sent them. Every believer is invited into the mission of making disciples.

Read

Matthew 28:16–20
John 20:21
Luke 19:10

Background

After His resurrection, Jesus gathered His disciples and gave what we call the Great Commission. These were not optional words for a few leaders. They were the marching orders for the church.

Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and now He sends His people to continue proclaiming that message.

Key Words

Commission – An assignment given with authority.

Disciple – A follower of Jesus who learns from Him and obeys Him.

Mission – God’s redemptive work in the world.

Theological Truths

  1. Jesus saves us and then sends us.
  2. Every believer has a role in God’s mission.
  3. The mission of the church flows from the authority of Christ.

John Calvin wrote:
“The Lord commands nothing for which He does not also supply strength.”

Questions for Reflection

  1. How do you normally think about your purpose as a Christian?(MULTILINE)
  2. What changes when you realize Jesus has personally sent His people?(MULTILINE)
  3. Are you living more as a spectator or participant in God’s mission?(MULTILINE)
  4. Who in your life needs the hope of Christ right now?(MULTILINE)
  5. How can prayer help align your heart with Jesus’ mission?(MULTILINE)

Application

Begin each morning this week with a simple prayer: “Jesus, send me today wherever You want me.”

Day 2 – Unashamed of the Gospel

Summary

The gospel is the power of God for salvation. Because of that, believers should not be ashamed to share it.

Read

Romans 1:16
Matthew 28:19
Acts 1:8

Background

Many Christians feel nervous about evangelism. Fear of rejection, awkwardness, or not knowing enough can silence us.

But Paul reminds us that the power is not in our personality or eloquence—it is in the gospel itself.

Key Words

Gospel – The good news of what God has done through Jesus to save sinners.

Evangelism – Sharing the good news so others may believe.

Witness – Telling what you know and have experienced about Christ.

Theological Truths

  1. The gospel itself carries saving power.
  2. God uses ordinary believers to share extraordinary news.
  3. Fear loses strength when we trust God’s power.

Charles Spurgeon wrote:
“Tell the gospel simply, and the Spirit will bless it.”

Questions for Reflection

  1. What usually keeps you from talking about Jesus?(MULTILINE)
  2. How does Romans 1:16 challenge those fears?(MULTILINE)
  3. What has Jesus done in your life that you can share with others?(MULTILINE)
  4. Who could you invite to church, coffee, or a spiritual conversation this week?(MULTILINE)
  5. How can dependence on the Holy Spirit make you bolder?(MULTILINE)

Application

Take one simple evangelistic step this week: invite someone, share your story, or ask a spiritual question.

Day 3 – Your Story Matters

Summary

You may not know every answer, but if Jesus has changed your life, you have a testimony worth sharing.

Read

John 9:24–25
Psalm 66:16
1 Peter 3:15

Background

The man born blind did not have a theology degree. When questioned, he simply said, “I was blind, and now I can see.”

That is the power of testimony: honestly sharing what Christ has done.

Key Words

Testimony – A personal account of God’s saving or transforming work.

Witness – Speaking truth from firsthand experience.

Grace – God’s undeserved kindness shown in Christ.

Theological Truths

  1. God often uses simple testimonies to open hearts.
  2. Your story points beyond you to Jesus.
  3. Personal transformation displays the reality of grace.

Martin Luther wrote:
“Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace.”

Questions for Reflection

  1. How has Jesus changed your life?(MULTILINE)
  2. What part of your story could encourage someone else today?(MULTILINE)
  3. Are you waiting to know more before you share what you already know?(MULTILINE)
  4. Who needs to hear how God has met you in weakness or struggle?(MULTILINE)
  5. How can your story become a bridge to the gospel?(MULTILINE)

Application

Write down your testimony in three parts: life before Christ, how you came to trust Him, and what He is doing now.

Day 4 – Teach Others to Follow

Summary

The mission does not end when someone believes. Jesus commands His followers to help others grow into mature disciples.

Read

Matthew 28:20
2 Timothy 2:2
Colossians 1:28–29

Background

Jesus said to teach disciples “to observe everything I have commanded you.” This means helping people learn Scripture, prayer, obedience, holiness, community, and mission.

Discipleship is relational, practical, and reproducible.

Key Words

Discipleship – Helping others follow Jesus in everyday life.

Obedience – Responding to God’s Word with action.

Multiplication – Disciples making disciples.

Theological Truths

  1. Spiritual growth is part of the Great Commission.
  2. Mature disciples help others mature.
  3. God intends the faith to multiply through relationships.

R.C. Sproul wrote:
“We are called not merely to believe, but to grow.”

Questions for Reflection

  1. Who has helped shape your faith journey?(MULTILINE)
  2. Who are you helping grow right now?(MULTILINE)
  3. What areas of following Jesus do newer believers most need help with?(MULTILINE)
  4. How can you create space to disciple someone intentionally?(MULTILINE)
  5. How does disciple-making advance God’s kingdom?(MULTILINE)

Application

Reach out to one person this week and invite them to read Scripture, pray, or meet regularly for spiritual growth.

Day 5 – Alive Faith, Lasting Joy

Summary

When believers actively live on mission, faith stays fresh, God’s power is experienced, and life gains deeper purpose.

Read

James 2:17
Matthew 28:20
Acts 1:8

Background

The sermon compared stagnant faith to the Dead Sea—life flowing in but nothing flowing out. God designed grace to overflow.

As we obey Christ’s mission, we often experience His presence and power in deeper ways.

Key Words

Living Faith – Faith expressed through obedience.

Purpose – A God-given reason for living.

Presence – Christ with His people by the Spirit.

Theological Truths

  1. Faith grows stronger when exercised in obedience.
  2. Christ promises His presence in His mission.
  3. God’s purpose brings greater joy than self-centered living.

John Piper wrote:
“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”

Questions for Reflection

  1. Has your faith felt fresh or stagnant lately? Why?(MULTILINE)
  2. Could a lack of outward mission be affecting your spiritual vitality?(MULTILINE)
  3. Where have you seen God’s help when you stepped out in faith?(MULTILINE)
  4. What purpose are you currently living for?(MULTILINE)
  5. What one act of mission would bring your faith into motion this week?(MULTILINE)

Application

Choose one person to pray for daily this week and one concrete step to pursue them with gospel love.

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