read: Luke 6:40, Matthew 10:24-25b, 1 John 3:1-3
1. What about the sermon most impacted you or left you with questions?
2. From the beginning to the end of his ministry, Jesus’ focus on his disciples was central to his mission, commissioning them to continue His work by making disciples of all nations, teaching and baptizing them. (Matt. 28:18-20) This approach of disciples making disciples—is how Jesus' mission to redeem and restore the world advances until his return. This means that we are part of Jesus’ mission. In light of this, our leadership recently adopted a new mission statement for our church: To become a family of faithful disciples who make disciples. The goal is for this to be more than just words, but that it would impact and renew our individual and corporate sense of mission and purpose. Over the next tfour weeks, we will be exploring each part of this statement, beginning with the phrase “To become.”
a. What is your initial reaction or thoughts about the mission statement of our church?
3. The Right Aim. To accomplish any mission, you need the right aim (like a golf swing). Without it, even good efforts can lead you away from your purpose. The phrase “to become” points us toward that aim. How? The aim of a disciple is to become like Jesus. See Luke 6:40, Matthew 10:25. Notice that the aim of a disciple is to be with him, in order to be like him and become like him. Jesus’ mission for the church is to make disciples, but only those becoming like Jesus can help others do the same. In short, the mission cannot happen unless we first become faithful disciples ourselves. When we ask the question, “What am I doing?” (am I doing enough, serving enough, or know enough?), our aim is off and we are not fulfilling the mission given to us by Jesus. Rather, the most important question we ought to ask is, “Who am I becoming?”
a. How would you describe who you are currently becoming? In what ways does that align—or not—with the aim of becoming like Jesus?
b. What are some ways we can evaluate whether we are, as individuals and as a church, truly aligned with the aim of becoming like Jesus?
4. The Right Expectations. The two words “to become” provide both the right aim and the right expectations for Jesus' mission. The aim—becoming like Jesus—can be encouraging, especially for those who feel they aren't doing enough or aren’t qualified. It reminds us that becoming like Jesus is what truly matters. However, this aim can also feel discouraging, as it often feels unattainable. The more we try to follow Jesus, the more we realize how far we fall short, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Many Christians may feel unqualified or too far from the ideal of a disciple who can make disciples. 1 John 3 sets the right expectations for becoming like Jesus. John reminds us that no one is completely like Jesus yet—we live in the tension between the "now" and the "not yet." Everyone who has hope in Jesus is becoming like Him, not just those with specific titles, knowledge, or experience. Being a part of God’s mission does not require perfection or having all the answers, but simply being a disciple who is in the process of becoming more like Jesus.
a. What does it mean for you to be a disciple who is still "becoming," rather than having it all figured out? In what areas of your life do you strugglemost with the idea that becoming like Jesus is a process, not a destination?
b. How might the expectation of being a disciple who is "becoming like Jesus" impact how you view others in the church community? How can this understanding influence the way you encourage and support others on their own journeys of “becoming like Jesus”?
5. The Right Means. To accomplish the mission of becoming like Jesus, the key is in the "how"—the means or engine. How did the first disciples become like Jesus? They were with Him, watched Him, and saw Him live. Similarly, we become like Jesus by seeing Him for who He truly is; we behold His glory, goodness, love, and patience. This process is described in 2 Corinthians 3:18, which tells us we are changed into His image as we behold Him. The engine of transformation is not when we strive hard to change ourselves, but when we behold Jesus (personally and corporately as a church), we become like Jesus. While things like money, political influence and fame can sometimes be used by God, they are far less powerful than an ordinary Christian who is becoming like Jesus and intentionally helping others do the same. This transformation happens through the "ordinary means" of grace: 1) the Word (focusing on Jesus), 2) prayer (beholding Jesus), 3) the sacraments (visibly experiencing Jesus), and 4) the communion of saints (helping each other see Jesus).
a. In a world that often measures success by external factors (wealth, influence, etc.), what does it mean for you to be part of Jesus’ mission as an “ordinary Christian”?
b. How might you personally engage more intentionally with the “ordinary means of grace” to grow and help others grow in becoming more like Jesus?