The most important thing is obedience, not knowledge. In this lesson we’ll
learn about the strategy Jesus gave his disciples, and we’ll think about
how this strategy could be applied in reaching the lost today.
Introduction:
1) Read 2 Peter 3:9 and discuss: “What is God’s will for those who don’t
yet know him?”
2) write (in some detail) the strategy they’re
currently using to reach the unsaved. (Later this will be used as a point of
comparison with Jesus’ strategy.)
Bible Study:
1) Before studying these texts, clarify that it is recorded that Jesus sent
out his disciples at least two or three different times and each time they
were given essentially the same strategy. What implications might this
method Jesus used have for us, in our efforts to accomplish the Great
Commission?
2) Read Matthew 10:5-42 to see what may result when using this
method!
3) Study Matthew 10:5-16, Luke 9:1-6, Luke 10:1-12 and make two lists:
a. List the characteristics of a worthy person of peace, with verse
references.
b. List the tasks given to the ones Jesus commissioned, with verse
references.
The leader can make a list with blanks for answers, such as this:
Example: characteristics of a Person of Peace
verse 11 _______
verse 12 ______
etc.
If the participants miss anything from the lists, ask questions about specific
verses so they discover more complete information.
Ask them to also write down what was forbidden by Jesus (taking supplies,
etc, greetings along the road, moving from one place to another). Discuss
why Jesus may have given these prohibitions.
Characteristics of PoP What a Disciple Does
LK 10 LK 10
5 open his door to you 1 goes in pairs
6 receives your blessing 2 prays for more laborers, to come
from the harvest
7 opens oikos to you 3 goes w/ danger all around
7 offers to sustain you in some way 4 leaves behind baggage/goes
dependent/goes with a need
9 listens to you (note v 16) 4 does not waste time/avoids
distractions
5 gives greeting
6 if favorable response, gives blessing
7 interacts deeply with people
8 eats food/drink served
8 heals the sick
9 tells the message of the Kingdom of
God 10 if not received, announces
warning then leaves
Characteristics of PoP What a Disciple Does
Matt 10 Matt 10
11 receives us 6 goes only to Jews
11 lets you stay with him/her 7 proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven
12 is part of a household that receives 8 heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse
lepers, cast out demons
14 non PoPs won’t receive or hear so
PoPs will receive and will listen
9-10 go empty-handed, no bag, no
money…
10 accept hospitality
11 search for the “worthy person”
(PoP)