In this session we will wrap up our study of Multiply, by Francis Chan.  We have covered the whole Bible in the past sessions. We have learned the historical context of the Old Testament and then the arrival and impact of God’s own son, Jesus. We have truly unwrapped the good news, the Gospel.

What have you personally gained from these sessions of Multiply?

The title to the book came from a discussion that Jesus had with those hanging out with him.  The bible refers to this group of men as “disciples”.

In your words, what is a disciple? Specifically when Jesus uses the term disciple who is he referring to?

The Lexham Bible dictionary defines disciple as “A student, pupil, or learner. In the New Testament it is used for Jesus’ followers.   Disciple is used over 300 times in the bible, and not all those times is it in reference to Jesus’ followers. The general context of the term is used to represent “a student who adheres to (and travels with) a teacher in a student role.

The Great Commission

At the end of the book of Matthew, Jesus gathers his disciples around and gives them one final instruction….

¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!

¹⁸ Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:16-20 NLT

As we read this section one more time, what jumps out to you or is spotlighted today?

Doubters

The word “doubted” used in verse 17 is the same word Jesus used when he spoke to Peter after his walking on water event.

²⁴ Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. ²⁵ About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

²⁷ But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
²⁸ Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” ²⁹ “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

³¹ Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” – Matthew 14:24-31 NLT

The use of this word is not about being smart or not. It does not have to do with intellectual unbelief but the hesitation natural to those confronted by a unique and “impossible” occurrence or situation.

The two passages have a lot in common. Jesus gives direction and the people that hear the instruction do understand, but they don’t believe they can commit to such a challenge. We have to remember that both of these instances do not have anything to do with intellect. So the idea of “I don’t know how to walk on water” or “I don’t know how to make disciples” is not a proper answer.  We must realize, like in both situations, God is with us. He was right there to grab Peter, and he right with us via the Holy Spirit to make disciples.

What are some of your doubts in regard to the great commission?

Spread the Good News

It is a flat out miracle beyond us how we got here today. Each of us has a testimony and it is a powerful one.  The same God that had so much compassion to rescue us from ourselves, is the same God that says… share the Good News.

We would not even be here today if individuals did not put into practice the final commission of Jesus.  Making disciples is not limited to those that had the opportunity to spend time with Jesus. Most of the New Testament after the Gospels is about discipleship. It is referenced in Acts 14:21 that Paul and Barnabas were putting this great commission into practice.

²¹ After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples,  – Acts 14:21 NLT

We are better together

It is a proven act that no one knows everything about someone else, and that also means that no one knows everything that someone else knows.  So when two come together they have more knowledge than anyone by themselves.  The title of the book Multiply also has a direct relationship to this great commission…. Simple math…

1 x 0 = 0

If we do not engage with others and share the Gospel, the result is 0. And some will contend that even things greater that 0 are futile. The argument of 1 x 1 will still only be 1 is true, but oh so challenging.  1 x 1 is representing a person that sticks to themselves and tries to do everything on their own.  They isolate and they don’t multiply.  It is about community, it is sharing life together. It is not being the hope or the answer but to be a disciple of Jesus and spur one another on as we all learn more and more together.

What are some ways you are personally multiplying?

Not an option

We have to come to grips with the truth of the bible, in its entirety. Not just the encouraging and rosy scriptures that spur us on, but also the ones that challenge us.  The very last thing recorded by Jesus after the resurrection was to “go and make disciples”. He with all the authority would be with us while we did it.

Note that Jesus did not leave any room for misunderstanding. He did not say, if some of you get some time tell people about me. We are to not doubt Him.

We have an exciting new series starting soon, so don’t doubt, be confident in who’s you are and share the Good News with others, being and making disciples of Jesus, every day, one moment at a time.

Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.