Sermon Notes

1. Being a disciple of Jesus is about ___________ as part of the body of Christ, committed to God and God’s call, with an awareness of the power and movement of the Holy Spirit.

2. Our discipleship journey begins in the waters of our _____________.

3. What was last week’s theme? ___________ in _________-_________ worship.

4. What is today’s theme? ____________ in ___________ discipleship.

5. True or False. Our scripture text for today is the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry where he calls the first of his disciples. __________

6. Roman rule was described as “darkness and death,” but Jesus was described as what? ___________________________________________

7. True or False. The first disciples hesitated before leaving their lives to follow Jesus. _____________

8. We must engage in _________ _________ and commit to learning what it means to become _______-_________.

9. What is the result of following the discipleship pathway? ___________

10. Intentional discipleship is our _________ to God’s life-giving promises.

Questions for Reflection/Discussion (Individual or Journey Group Use)

1. What does intentional discipleship mean to you?

2. Why do you think the writer of the Gospel of Matthew highlights the differences between the Roman-empire or rule and the kingdom of heaven that Jesus is ushering into reality?

3. The disciples that Jesus calls are invited to be agents of transformation. What does that look like in practice?er

4. The first disciples make radical commitments, radical changes, so that they could be a part of what God through Jesus Christ with the power of the Holy Spirit was doing in the world. What would a radical commitment or change look like in your life so that you can follow Jesus? What stands in your way of making that radical commitment or change?

5. How do we grow as followers of Jesus? What should we be doing?

6. What does God’s mission in and for the world (Matthew 28:19-20) means for us as Jesus’ disciples today?

7. Think about where you are in your discipleship journey. What is the next faithful step you can take to grow deeper in intentional discipleship? What does support and encouragement look like on your journey?

8. “Everything flows from discipleship…” Share what this means to you and for your life.

Weekly Scripture Reading Guide

Monday: Psalm 27: 1, 4-9
Tuesday: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Wednesday: John 8:31–38
Thursday: Matthew 28:16-20
Friday: Luke 9:23–24
Saturday: Matthew 4:12-23

Prayer of the Week

God of Blazing light, through the power of the cross you shattered our darkness, scattering the fears that bind us and setting us free to live as your children. Give us courage and conviction that we may joyfully turn and follow you into new adventures of faithful service, led by the light that shines through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
(Prayer Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)