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November 29, 2020

Matthew 10:1-4

One of our elders, Laurie Stuck, taught us this morning, that our Lord Jesus Christ had reached an important point in His ministry.  He was about to choose twelve ordinary men to advance the kingdom of Heaven in an alien, hostile world.  He reminded us that the Pharisees, scribes and teachers of the law had kept people from calling on the true Shepherd, Jesus Christ.  And that the people had become harassed and helpless, imprisoned by the religiosity and regulations placed on them by the Pharisees.   Jesus, however, had compassion on them. (Matt. 9:36). These 12 men that He would choose would be symbolic of the continuity of salvation offered in Christ.  They would proclaim the gospel to the lost sheep of Israel, and do extraordinary things like Jesus, as they would have His tremendous power and authority.  

 

1.  Read Luke 6:12.  What did Jesus do before choosing the twelve disciples?  How important do you think it is that He chose to spend His time this way?  How big was the crisis before Him?  How do you begin, when you have a big decision or a crisis point, before you?

 

2.  Read Matthew 9:38.  Laurie stated that “often we may think of somebody else who could answer that prayer” but don’t apply it to ourselves.  What would change in your life now, if this prayer was prayed with you in mind?

 

3.  Laurie shared with us that Christians are the bride of Christ, the church, and we advance the kingdom of Heaven as we offer the plan of salvation in this alien, hostile world.  Are you a Christian?  If you are, how does it help or challenge you to be reminded that you are a disciple (a learner of Him) and that you are a sent one?

 

4.  Considering the descriptions Laurie provided and any additional background information you may have, which disciples do you most resonate with?  Which disciples share your same faults or in which disciples do you see potential?

 

5.  What is your response to Matthew 10:1-4?   Share with your group a time when you did not respond to God’s call or your response was half-hearted.  Share how someone can grow and change in responding to God’s use of His followers.  How might your commitment to the Lord be transformed, as you become available to Him for whatever way He would like to use you, this Christmas season?  

 

6.  Read Psalm 20:7 as a group to close your time together.  For what situation this week, do you need to trust in the name of Lord your God?  For what person in your life will you commit to pray for this week, that they may trust in the name of Lord?