Embracing Our Identity: The Great Commission's Invitation
Summary
In this season, our church is journeying together through the same passages of Scripture, from the youngest in Sunday school to the oldest among us. This shared focus is more than a curriculum choice—it’s an invitation to unity, to spiritual conversations across generations, and to a deeper sense of purpose as we meditate on God’s Word together. Today, we explored Matthew 28:16-20, the passage known as the Great Commission, and considered not only what Jesus commands us to do, but what He reveals about God’s heart for us.
The disciples, after experiencing the trauma of Jesus’ crucifixion and the wonder of His resurrection, meet Him on a mountain in Galilee. They come with a mix of worship and doubt, carrying the weight of their failures and uncertainties. Yet, Jesus draws near to them—not to rebuke, but to commission. He declares His absolute authority and sends them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching. But this is not a mission rooted in their qualifications or perfection; it is rooted in His authority and presence.
We often read the Great Commission as a list of tasks: go, baptize, teach. But at its core, it is an invitation to find our identity in Christ. Baptism is not just a ritual; it is a declaration of who we are—beloved children of the Father, servants of the Son, and Spirit-empowered missionaries. Our actions flow from our identity, not the other way around. The world tells us, “You are what you do,” but Jesus teaches, “You do from who you are.” True transformation and lasting obedience come not from a new to-do list, but from a deepening understanding of who we are in Him.
This mission is daunting, but Jesus’ final promise is the anchor: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” We are not sent out alone. His presence empowers, sustains, and sanctifies us as we step out in faith. As we live on mission—loving, serving, proclaiming—we come to know God more intimately. The Great Commission is not a burden, but a joyful invitation to participate in God’s work and to experience His presence in profound ways.
Key Takeaways
- God’s grace meets us in our doubts and failures, not to disqualify us, but to draw us near and commission us. The disciples’ mixture of worship and doubt did not exclude them from Jesus’ mission; instead, it became the very context in which His grace was revealed. Our past does not define our future in God’s kingdom—His grace does. [10:46]
- The authority for our mission comes from Jesus, not from our own abilities or worthiness. He sends us out not because we are qualified, but because He is sovereign over all. Our confidence in making disciples is anchored in His cosmic authority and unwavering presence, not in our own strength. [13:15]
- The call to make disciples is radically inclusive, breaking down every cultural, social, and personal barrier. Jesus’ command to disciple all nations means no one is beyond the reach of the gospel—those who are different, those we might overlook, and even those we might consider unworthy. The gospel is for everyone, everywhere, and we are called to embody that expansive vision. [16:13]
- Our identity in Christ is foundational to our mission. Baptism is a declaration that we are the Father’s family, the Son’s servants, and the Spirit’s missionaries. Lasting transformation and faithful obedience flow from knowing who we are in Him, not from striving to earn His approval through our actions. [21:21]
- The Great Commission is not just a set of instructions, but an invitation to deeper relationship with God. As we step out in faith—loving, serving, teaching, and proclaiming—we experience God’s presence and power in new ways. Living on mission is the pathway to truly knowing Him, as He works both in us and through us. [33:51]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:26] - The Bible Together: A Season of Unity
[03:44] - Flawed Disciples Meet the Risen Jesus
[06:17] - The Journey to the Mountain
[08:12] - Wrestling with Doubt and Worship
[10:46] - Grace for Doubters and Failures
[12:04] - Jesus’ Declaration of Authority
[13:15] - The Mission: Make Disciples of All Nations
[16:13] - The Radical Inclusivity of the Gospel
[18:46] - Baptism and Identity in Christ
[21:21] - Living Out Our Baptismal Identity
[23:53] - You Do From Who You Are
[25:13] - Lasting Change Flows from Identity
[29:24] - The Promise of Jesus’ Presence
[33:51] - The Great Commission: Invitation, Not Burden
[35:46] - Stepping Out Empowered by the Spirit
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Great Commission and Our Identity in Christ
---
### Bible Reading
- Matthew 28:16-20
_“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”_
---
### Observation Questions
1. What emotions and attitudes did the disciples bring with them when they met Jesus on the mountain? (see [07:31])
2. According to Jesus, what is the foundation for the disciples’ mission—what does he say before giving the command to go? (see [12:04])
3. What two main actions does Jesus command his followers to do as they make disciples? (see [17:25])
4. What promise does Jesus give at the end of his commission, and how does he describe its duration? (see [29:24])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to commission the disciples even though they were still wrestling with doubt and past failures? (see [10:46])
2. The sermon says that baptism is more than a ritual—it’s a declaration of identity. What does it mean to be baptized “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” according to the message? (see [21:21])
3. The command to “make disciples of all nations” was radical for the disciples’ context. What barriers or boundaries does this break down, and why is that significant? (see [16:13])
4. The sermon contrasts the world’s message (“You are what you do”) with Jesus’ teaching (“You do from who you are”). How does this shift in thinking affect the way we approach following Jesus? (see [23:53])
---
### Application Questions
1. The disciples’ mixture of worship and doubt did not disqualify them from Jesus’ mission. When have you felt unqualified or uncertain in your faith? How might God want to use you anyway? (see [10:46])
2. Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” How does remembering Jesus’ authority change the way you approach sharing your faith or serving others? (see [12:04])
3. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of “all nations”—including people who are different from us. Who in your life might you be overlooking or avoiding when it comes to sharing God’s love? What’s one step you could take to reach out? (see [16:13])
4. Baptism is described as a declaration that we are God’s family, Christ’s servants, and Spirit-empowered missionaries. Which of these aspects of your identity do you find easiest to embrace? Which is hardest? Why? (see [21:21])
5. The sermon says, “You do from who you are.” Are there areas in your life where you’re trying to earn God’s approval through your actions instead of living out your identity in Christ? What would it look like to shift your motivation? (see [23:53])
6. Jesus promises, “I am with you always.” When have you experienced God’s presence most clearly while stepping out in faith? Is there a new area where you sense God calling you to trust him? (see [29:24])
7. The message describes the Great Commission as a joyful invitation, not a burden. What would it look like for you to experience joy in living on mission this week? Is there a specific way you can participate in God’s work—at home, work, or in your neighborhood? (see [33:51])
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for courage to live out their identity in Christ, for open eyes to see those God is calling them to love, and for a deeper experience of Jesus’ presence as they step out in faith.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus’ Authority and the Great Commission
Jesus, risen and glorious, meets his imperfect and doubting disciples not with rebuke but with grace, declaring that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. He commissions them—and us—to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching, not because of our own strength or worthiness, but because of his supreme authority and presence. This mission is not reserved for the spiritually elite but is an invitation for every follower of Jesus to participate in God’s redemptive work, trusting that his power is sufficient for every task and every weakness. [13:15]
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Reflection: Where do you feel inadequate or unqualified to participate in God’s mission, and how might trusting in Jesus’ authority change your willingness to step out in faith today?
Day 2: God’s Grace Meets Us in Our Doubt
Even as the disciples worshiped the risen Jesus, some doubted—yet Jesus drew near to them, offering grace instead of condemnation. This moment reveals that doubt does not disqualify us from God’s love or calling; rather, Jesus meets us in our uncertainty, inviting us to relationship and purpose. The gospel is not for the flawless but for those willing to come to Jesus with their fears, failures, and questions, trusting that his grace is greater than our shortcomings. [11:26]
Romans 8:1 (ESV)
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: Is there a doubt or failure in your life that you’ve believed disqualifies you from God’s love or purpose? How can you bring it honestly to Jesus and receive his grace today?
Day 3: Our Identity in Christ Shapes Our Mission
Baptism is more than a ritual; it is a declaration of our new identity as God’s beloved children, servants of the King, and Spirit-empowered missionaries. We are called to live out of who we are in Christ, not striving to earn God’s favor but responding to the truth that we are already loved, sent, and empowered. When we remember our identity—family of the Father, servants of the Son, missionaries of the Spirit—we are freed to love, serve, and witness from a place of security and joy, not striving or self-reliance. [21:21]
Galatians 3:26-27 (ESV)
For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Reflection: Which aspect of your baptismal identity—child, servant, or missionary—do you most need to embrace today, and how might it change the way you interact with others?
Day 4: You Do From Who You Are
The world says, “You are what you do,” but Jesus teaches that what we do flows from who we are. True and lasting change comes not from a new to-do list but from a deepening understanding of our identity in Christ. As we root ourselves in God’s love and truth, our actions—loving, serving, and witnessing—become the natural overflow of a transformed heart, rather than burdensome obligations. [24:30]
Luke 6:45 (ESV)
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you’ve been trying to change your behavior without addressing your heart? How can you invite God to transform your identity at the root today?
Day 5: God’s Presence Empowers Our Mission
The promise of Jesus’ continual presence—“I am with you always, to the end of the age”—is the foundation and fuel for our participation in his mission. We are not sent out alone or in our own strength; God’s Spirit goes with us, empowering us to love, serve, and make disciples even when the task feels overwhelming. As we step out in obedience, we discover that living on mission is not a burden but a pathway to deeper intimacy with God, experiencing his power and presence in new and profound ways. [31:14]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to live “on mission,” trusting that God’s presence will meet and empower you as you go?
Quotes
Studying the scripture together I I believe creates kind of a a profound sense of unity and shared purpose when we meditate on the same passages we're literally on the same page kind of spiritually so it's just a I think it's just a real cool opportunity for us. [00:03:05]
Here's a real blessing we're reminded that God speaks through his word to every willing heart who is willing to listen and we may come with different questions different needs but we all come to the same Jesus and that's exactly what we see happening in our text today. [00:03:25]
The very individuals who abandoned Jesus in his darkest hour are now standing before him he's resurrected and he's glorious but then in that in that environment of the glorious splendor of Jesus was also shame and maybe for some relief and maybe for some awe it must have been it must have been just an emotional tidal wave. [00:10:08]
Jesus doesn't dwell on their past failures he doesn't chide them for their doubt and their desertion instead he draws near as we noted last week in the story of Jesus's meeting by the disciples on the shore the very act of drawing near is an act of grace. [00:10:40]
If you will doubt you are not out right if you doubt you are not out and it's not even just for you cuz some of you don't have any doubts or at least you think you don't but when that person you care about doubts they're not out maybe even that person you don't really care about and you're like "I knew they'd doubt." Guess what they're not out either god's grace God's grace draws near to all who would call on the name of the Lord. [00:11:09]
Our past our fears our doubts they are absolutely swallowed up in the vastness of God's grace through Jesus Christ and in light of this demonstration of grace, it makes sense what Jesus does in our text next. [00:11:58]
Jesus doesn't say go because you guys are so smart or go because you're such good at public speaking and you know exactly when to pause he doesn't say go because you have all the answers instead Jesus says go because all authority belongs to me. [00:13:32]
It is not enough that the nations hear the message they must also what respond with the same wholehearted commitment which was required of those required of those who became disciples of Jesus during his ministry. [00:14:12]
We're not just looking for one-time decisions we're inviting people into a lifelong ongoing learning growing and following of Jesus that stems from a wholehearted commitment to say "Lord wherever you go I'm going to follow but Lord my heart is prone to wander lord I feel it so take my heart Lord and seal it." [00:14:45]
This is radical and it's an expansive vision no longer confined to a particular people group or geographical boundary the gospel is for everyone everywhere which is why we wear these t-shirts that say everyday everywhere everyone and the gospel shatters cultural barriers it breaks down societal divisions and it transcends all human-made limitations. [00:16:42]
In this passage Jesus is actually establishing God's desire for us to find our identity in him this is why I love how our kids are being taught of this passage of scripture today not as a lesson of all the things God wants us to do but an invitation of all that God wants us to become. [00:18:36]
We are baptized in the name of the father because we are the family of God we are deeply loved by the father who sent his son to die for us so that we might become his children and we're called to love others so that they might come to know the love of the father as well. [00:21:34]
Ultimately Jesus was establishing that knowing and believing who you are in Christ leads you to obey Jesus's commands when it comes to growing and maturing in faith I believe this with all my heart. [00:25:06]
What leads to lasting change in the life of someone who has decided to commit to the lifelong journey of submitting all of life to Jesus as master and savior is not a new to-do list like I've been coming alongside people for many many years. [00:26:07]
We love because we have been loved in fact first John will tell us we know not love but this is how we know what love is because God sent his son Jesus die for us so we love because of of God the Father we're servants of Christ therefore we serve the least of these as he served. [00:27:20]
The great commission then is not a burden though but a joyful invitation into a deeper relationship with our God it's an opportunity to walk more closely with the father to serve more intimately with the son and to be empowered more profoundly by the holy spirit because here I tell you this if you actually go and decide to live on mission you're going to find out pretty quickly you don't have what it takes. [00:33:51]
