MEMORY SCRIPTURE
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
(Matthew 28:19).
Jesus mentored, guided and empowered His disciples, preparing them to spread His message boldly.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 4: The Spirit Unites Us With Jesus (Eph. 2:22)
Tue. 5: The Spirit: No Longer A Promise (Joel 8:26)
Wed. 6: The Spirit Helps Our Infirmities (Rom. 28-29)
Thur: 7: The Spirit Fills The Disciples (Acts 2:3-4)
Fri. 8 The Spirit Teaches Us (Jn. 14:26)
Sat. 8: The Spirit Bears Fruits In Us (Gal. 5:22-23)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Commissioning isn’t the end of leadership; believers must stay connected for on-going development through divine instructions.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: Matthew 3:1;28:16-20; Acts1:8;2:14
We give all glory to God for enlightening our hearts during last week’s lesson. We explored how Jesus employs diverse
teaching methods to cultivate leadership qualities in His disciples. Subsequently, He assigns them practical tasks to apply their teachings.
Today’s lesson is a continuation of last week’s topic: “Jesus Develops His Disciples.” Just as leadership development progresses in stages, Jesus commissions His disciples to continue the ministry of disciple-making, mirroring how they were taught. Moreover, He empowers them for this task through the Baptism of the Spirit. Therefore, while commissioning is
essential, it does not diminish the significance of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment in shaping a well-rounded leader.
LESSON OUTLINE
- HE COMMISSIONS THEM AS LEADERS
- HE EMPOWERS THEM FOR LEADERSHIP
LESSON EXPOSITION
HE COMMISSIONS THEM AS LEADERS (Matt. 28:16-20)
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
(v.19).
a) v. 16: Jesus instructed His disciples to go to the mountain He appointed for them, testing their obedience to His instructions and preparing them for leadership responsibilities.
b) vv. 18-20: Jesus commissioned His disciples as leaders, instructing them to make disciples of all nations by preaching the gospel and baptising believers, thus expanding their leadership mandate (Mk 16:15-16).
c) The commission transcends local boundaries, emphasising the universal scope of the disciples’ leadership mandate to reach all nations (Lk.24:47).
d) v. 19: Jesus prioritised disciple-making when calling His disciples instructing them to focus on this core activity (cf. Mk. 3:13f, 2 Tim. 21-2) Thisiliscinies always prioritse his command, affirming Jesus as their Lord (Acts 11:19-21).
e) v. 20: Jesus underscores the significance of teaching obedience to His commands as part of discipleship, not just baptising new believers, highlighting the on-going role of discipleship in leadership growth.
HE EMPOWERS THEM FOR LEADERSHIP (Matt. 3:11; Acts 1:8.2:1-4)
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
(Acts 1:8)
a) Matt 3:11: Both John the Baptist and Jesus foretold the coming of the Holy Spirit, crucial for the disciples’ leadership development and effectiveness (Mk. 1:8; Lk. 3:16; Jn. 14:16-18,26).
b) Without the gift of the Holy Spirit, the influence of Jesus on the disciples would have faded over time. However, He ensured they were instructed on what they needed and where to receive it.
c) Acts 1:8: Jesus emphasised the disciples’ need for the Holy Spirit’s power to be effective witnesses and leaders. He instructed them to await this empowerment.
d) Acts 2:1-4: ‘The baptism of the disciples by the Holy Spirit fulfilled Jesus’ promise and empowered them for leadership.
e) Jesus’ fulfilment of the promise of the Holy Spirit birthed the Church, empowering believers for spiritual and physical dominion, essential for effective leadership in the world.
LESSONS DERIVED
- Leadership is a call to service that demands a well-prepared and developed leader.
- The evidence that a leader has been with, and is being develoned by Jesus is the evident presence of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
QUESTIONS
- How did Jesus commission His disciples?
- Jesus empowered His disciples for leadership. Discuss
