This week our sermon series The Gospel of Luke, Part II: A Journey through Galilee shows us the unfolding of God’s plan to change the world through Christ’s commission of the 12 disciples. Before Christ sends them out, He draws them in to experience the fullness of fellowship with Him. Likewise, our Savior graciously invites us to delight in Him and participate in the greatest mission possible— the mission of God.

Tyler’s Main Points

• Jesus brings disciples into the love of God.

• Jesus commissions disciples into the mission of God to seek and save the lost.

• Jesus sends disciples out to show the compassion of God while sharing the Gospel with all people.

Key Takeaways

• In this passage, Jesus appoints 12 men who do not meet the world’s standards for starting a movement, but through these men God establishes the Church and changes the world.

• Before Jesus sends the disciples out on mission, He brings them near to Him.

• In preparation for appointing His 12 disciples, we see Jesus spent the night prayerfully communing with the Father for direction and in delight.

• Like the disciples, we are to enjoy God by drawing near to Him through His Word, song, and prayer, as well as delighting in fellowship with His people.

• Rather than begrudgingly serving out of duty, seek to delight in God so that His love would compel you to willful and joyfulservice.

• All of the apostles are disciples, but not all disciples are apostles. These twelve men (as well as Paul) were chosen for a unique role in redemptive history. God would use these apostles to lead the church and lay the foundation for the church with Christ as the cornerstone.

• God loves seemingly bad odds. When the odds are against Him, He has the opportunity to flex and display His unrivaled power and glory.

• The Church was not built on power and wealth, but by the power of God Himself.

• God’s not looking for the most skillful or talented to build His kingdom, but to those whose hearts are fullyHis.

• God did not have to choose to save people through our participation in His mission, but He did. He has chosen to work through those He has saved to save others because He delights in saving others and invites us to share in His joy.

• As this passage reveals, Jesus is not merely the Jews’ Messiah, but the hope and Savior of the world.

• As the Gentiles in the crowd are unsure if they can even approach Israel’s God, Jesus approaches them and heals them.

• We are called to not only have concern for the spiritual needs of others, but compassion, concern, and care for their physical needs.

• The apostles were faithful to their mission to share the Gospel unto death, not merely out of duty but through their utter and sheer delight in their Savior.

Discussion Questions/Application

Personal application:

• What areas of your life are you most resistant to allow God to guide you and grow you?

• In light of the compassion and salvation you’ve received from Christ, who will you intentionally serve this week?

Discuss with your community group:

• How can you more consistently allow your delight in God to guide and refine your service?

• What hinders you from more boldly and faithfully sharing the truth and love of Christ with others?

Passages Referenced
Luke 6:12-19; Luke 19:10; Matthew 22:37-39; Ephesians 2:14-18; Romans 3:23.

Worship Set List

Come Thou Fount (Above All Else), Lord I Need You, No Other King, How Marvelous, Ancient of Days