Conversation Guide
Back to Basics
A disciple follows Jesus to become like Jesus. We cannot make disciples unless we are disciples ourselves.
Begin
Begin
Think of someone whose life has genuinely reflected Jesus. What was it about that person—not just what they believed or did—that made an impression on you?
Explore
Explore
When Jesus commissioned his followers to make disciples of all nations, he wasn't simply giving the church a task to accomplish. He was describing the kind of people we are called to become. We cannot make disciples unless we are disciples ourselves.
Throughout Matthew's Gospel, Jesus shows us what discipleship means. Like Israel at Mount Sinai, we are called to be a holy people who reflect God's character. But Jesus calls us beyond outward obedience to a transformation of the heart. Following Jesus means learning to live under his kingdom, loving what he loves, and becoming increasingly like him.
And this is not something we accomplish through determination alone. God gives us his Spirit to transform our hearts and form us into the likeness of Christ. The church fulfills its mission as Spirit-formed people who follow Jesus, become like Jesus, and help others do the same.
Read Matthew 28:18-20 18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”Matt. 28:18-20
- Jesus commands his followers to make disciples, not simply gather converts or teach religious information. What does that distinction tell us about the mission of the church?
Read Exodus 19:4-6 4‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” The Fulfillment of the Law 17“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.Exodus 19:4-6
Matt. 5:17-20
- God called Israel to be a holy people, and Jesus calls his followers to a righteousness that goes deeper than outward obedience. What is the difference between participating in religious activities and the genuine holiness of actually becoming more like Christ?
Read Ezekiel 36:26-27 26I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Ezek. 36:26-27
- God promises to give his people a new heart and put his Spirit within them. How does this change the way we understand spiritual growth? What is God's part, and how do we respond?
Where have you noticed God at work in your life recently—perhaps challenging an attitude, stirring a desire, or inviting you toward greater Christlikeness?
Where do you find it easiest to settle for outward religious behavior rather than allowing God to change your heart? What might it look like to respond to his grace in that area?
Respond
Respond
Practice
Each day, take a moment to ask two questions:
- Where have I noticed God at work in my life today?
- How can I respond to his grace with one concrete act of obedience?
Choose one area where you sense God inviting you to grow. Pray about it daily and take one intentional step toward becoming more like Jesus.
Prayer
Lord, give us hearts that love what you love. Transform us by your Spirit so that our lives reflect Jesus and help others follow him. Amen.