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The goal of this week is to understand the mission Jesus left for the Church and what this looks like for us today.
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+READ Acts 1:1-11
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1 In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. 3 During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. 4 Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” 7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”
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Summarize the events that occur in this passage.
How do you imagine the disciples were thinking and feeling after these events?
Do you ever relate to this in your own relationship with God?
+READ Acts 1:8 & Matt. 28:19-20
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8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matt. 28:19-20
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What mission did Jesus leave with his disciples?
What is your reaction when you hear what Jesus said is the mission for His Church? Are you excited? Fearful? Why?
Would someone observing your life know that this is your mission? Why or why not?
Challenge for the Week:
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+READ Acts 1:1-11
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1 In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. 3 During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. 4 Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” 7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”
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Summarize the events that occur in this passage.
How do you imagine the disciples were thinking and feeling after these events?
Do you ever relate to this in your own relationship with God?
+READ Acts 1:8 & Matt. 28:19-20
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8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matt. 28:19-20
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What mission did Jesus leave with his disciples?
What is your reaction when you hear what Jesus said is the mission for His Church? Are you excited? Fearful? Why?
Would someone observing your life know that this is your mission? Why or why not?
Challenge for the Week:
What is one thing you can do this week to obey Jesus’ final command to his disciples?
2 comments:
Acts 1:1-11:
I interpret the passage as saying that after Jesus’ crucifixion he would appear/visit the apostles every now and then to lead them and talk with them. Then he finally ascended to heaven where they could no longer see him.
I imagine the apostles energized and ready to evangelize after these events. After speaking with the Lord and asking him questions they saw Him ascend to heaven (or into a cloud). Seeing these things and knowing the Lord had plans for the world (since only He has the authority to set those dates and time) would have been comforting. Although, the apostles probably saw this as a huge task and were most likely nervous it was such an honor for them to be the chosen ones.
In my life I do relate with these verses. Although it makes me nervous and life feels like such a huge task I know God has a plan for me and he is protecting me and guiding me through it.
Acts 1:8 and Matt 28:19-20
Jesus leaves his disciples with a mission to tell the WORLD about Him. He doesn’t just tell His disciples to go and tell the rich, healthy and good looking people about him. He wants the entire world to know. He wants every person to know about him and the Kingdom of God. God also says to TELL people about Him.
Sometimes I feel like a lot of Christ followers tell themselves that they can just live Christ-like and they are ok that people will see how they live and know. Not only should we be living this way but this passage clearly says tell people about Him. So Jesus is asking us to not only follow him but tell people about him.
My mission for the week is to not be shy about my beliefs – because I am! I will not bring up the subject unless I know who I am talking to will not get offended. By saying that I do not mean my purpose is to offend people with beliefs but that is one thing that steers me away from talking about it openly is my fear of people rejecting it/me.
Well that was a lot of typing! Have a great week everyone!
Great comment Jess!
-I can't even imagine what had to be going through the apostles minds as they spent time with the Man they witnessed being beaten and later crucified on the cross. All of His teachings had been proven true. He was the Messiah, Savior, God's Son!
I imagine the apostles being able to tackle the task ahead with a lot of passion, physically seeing Christ and know what they were saying was the truth had to fuel their fire and probably helped them witness to others more easily.
I doubt it was easy, but they definitely had a higher power on their side (and we have that higher power on our side today!).
My response to the challenge...Lord fill me with the passion thta i know the apostles had when they were with you. Let others see that I truly believe you are real and that you active in my life! Let them see it and want the same for their life! Amen...
God Bless...
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