Small Group Discussion

Icebreaker Question

• When you see someone in need, what is usually your first response: help, hesitation, sadness, discomfort, or something else? What do you think shapes that response?

Key Takeaways:

• The Great Commission is Jesus’ instruction to help people know Him, follow Him, and live out what He taught.
• We serve with confidence because Jesus has authority over all things, but following His mission still requires personal sacrifice.
• People in need are not projects or simply recipients of charity. They are individuals created by God who need dignity, relationship, practical care, and the hope of Jesus.
• We are not responsible for changing someone through our own strength. Jesus promises to be with us, and the Holy Spirit does the work only God can do.

Discussion Questions:

Part 1: Serving Through the Authority of Jesus

1. In Matthew 28:18–20, Jesus begins by saying that all authority belongs to Him. Why do you think He starts there before telling His followers to go and make disciples? How might knowing that the mission belongs to Jesus—not just to us—change the way we approach people in need?
2. Jesus used His authority to serve and sacrifice, even giving His life for others (Matthew 20:28). Why is genuine compassion often costly or uncomfortable? What is one form of comfort—time, money, convenience, safety, or emotional energy—that can be difficult for you to surrender when helping someone else?

Part 2: Caring for the Whole Person

1. The message taught that we should not choose between meeting physical needs and sharing the hope of Jesus. What can happen when Christians focus only on someone’s physical circumstances? What can happen when they speak about faith but ignore that person’s suffering?
2. The pastor said that our goal is to make disciples, not simply recipients of charity. A disciple is someone who learns from Jesus and follows Him. How is walking alongside someone different from doing one helpful thing for them? How can we offer help in a way that protects a person’s dignity and builds a genuine relationship?

Part 3: Trusting Jesus in the Mission

1. Teaching someone to obey everything Jesus commanded is impossible through human effort alone. How does Jesus’ promise, “I am with you always,” change the way we view that responsibility? Where are you relying mostly on your own effort instead of trusting God to work?
2. Revelation 7:9–12 describes people from every nation, tribe, and language worshiping God together. How does this picture shape the way Christians should view vulnerable children and families throughout the world? What is one practical step you could take to care for someone’s physical and spiritual well-being—through prayer, generosity, sponsorship, service, or relationship?