8.27.23 Huddle
Opening Discussion
- Give the elevator pitch (short!) of how you became a follower of Jesus.
- If you aren’t a follower of Jesus, what are some questions you have, or things that hold you back from becoming a follower?
Read and Discus
Matthew 3:13-17 CSB
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to stop him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?”
15 Jesus answered him, “Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John allowed him to be baptized.
16 When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.”
- What are some things about John the Baptist that made him a significant character in the life of Jesus?
- Why did John try to stop Jesus from being baptized?
- How was Jesus’ baptism “fulfill all righteousness?”
- Why was this moment so important for Jesus’ ministry?
- In what ways is the Trinity present at Jesus’ baptism?
- What does God’s pronouncement over Jesus mean?
- What is the importance and significance of baptism?
- Why did Jesus need to get baptized?
- Why do we need to get baptized?
- If you haven’t been baptized, what holds you back?
Matthew 28:16-20
16 The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 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, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
- Why did some disciples worship while others doubted?
- How does Jesus respond to this?
- On a Sunday morning during the service, how can we address both the worshippers and the doubters?
- What are some ways we can come near to people, and help them experience the nearness of Jesus (not just on Sundays, but everyday)?
- What does it mean that Jesus had “all authority”?
- How does that make what He says next more impactful?
- How can you make disciples of all nations?
- Why does Jesus make a point to add baptism into His final command to the disciples?
- Why does obeying God’s commands come after making disciples and baptism?
- How are you discipling others?
- How are you teaching others to observe everything Jesus commanded us?
- In what ways is Jesus with you always?
Apply it!
- What is one simple step you can take this week to make disciples or help others observe Jesus’ commands?
Memorize it!
Matthew 28:19-20
19 “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, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Prayer TACOS
Thank the Lord for setting the example of how we should be baptized.
Adoration– Worship the Lord for having all authority in heaven and earth
Confess to the times when you didn’t take the command to make disciples seriously
Others- Pray for someone who needs to follow Jesus
Self- Ask the Lord to give you boldness to share the good news of Jesus with others
Closing Thoughts
I was baptized when I was in fourth grade. I remember thinking that a pastor had to baptize me because that made it more official. It was a significant moment in my life, and a professional had to do it. I didn’t want my dad to do it because he wasn’t a pastor. In my small world, he wasn’t qualified.
I wonder if John the Baptist felt unworthy when Jesus asked him to do His baptism. He didn’t feel special, or like a professional. Just an eccentric preacher doing what God had called him to do. When asked to baptize Jesus, his response was to say, “I think it should be the other way around!”
This is what is great about Jesus. In some of His final words to His disciples, He’s telling them to teach others to observe Jesus’ commands. Jesus always led by example. If they were supposed to get baptized, Jesus did it first. If they were supposed to go into the towns and preach, Jesus did it first. Healing, miracles, teaching, serving, Jesus did it first. Then at the end, He tells the disciples to teach people to live like He lived. From His baptism to the resurrection, we are to model His life and bring others along in that journey of disciple making. Go and make disciples!