The Mountain of Mission
Opening Prayer
Have someone open the group in prayer. Pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal where our hearts are divided, draw us deeper into life with Jesus, and give us courage to fully surrender to His mission.
Read the Text
Read Matthew 28:16–20 out loud as a group.
The Big Idea
This week we explored “The Mountain of Mission.” The sermon began with the idea that human beings are wired for vision, purpose, and transcendence. We were made to ascend toward something greater than ourselves. Without vision, people begin to unravel spiritually and emotionally.
The sermon contrasted two mountains:
The mountain of Satan
The mountain of God
On Satan’s mountain, Jesus was offered the splendor of the world, power, pleasure, and success apart from surrender to God. The kingdom of darkness invites people to worship created things rather than the Creator.
On God’s mountain, the disciples encountered Jesus Himself. Instead of offering them worldly success, Jesus revealed His worthiness. The disciples worshiped Him because they saw that He alone was worthy of their lives.
The sermon emphasized that whatever captures our highest love will eventually shape our lives. We become like what we worship. Jesus then declared: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Because Jesus is King and because His Kingdom is reality, He tells His disciples: “Therefore… go and make disciples.”
The Great Commission is not merely about making converts. It is about inviting people into life with God and teaching them to live under the rule and reign of Jesus. The sermon challenged us with an important truth: Disciples make disciples. Non-disciples make no disciples.
Finally, the sermon reminded us that the greatest gift of the gospel is not merely forgiveness or heaven someday, but Jesus Himself. The invitation of the gospel is life with God.
Reflection:
What stood out to you most from the contrast between the mountain of Satan and the mountain of God?
What are some “mountains” our culture encourages people to climb today?
What are some good things that can slowly become ultimate things in our lives?
Where do you see people sacrificing peace, integrity, relationships, or obedience to get what they want?
01: Worship & Attention
The sermon said: “You want to know what you worship? Look at what takes up your unforced attention.”
Reflection:
Where does your mind naturally drift when you have nothing demanding your attention?
What tends to consume your emotional energy, imagination, or daydreams?
What do your worries, fears, or frustrations reveal about what you may be worshiping?
02: The Kingdom Without the King
The sermon warned: “You cannot have the Kingdom without the King.”
Reflection:
Have you ever found yourself trying to do “Christian things” without actually abiding in Jesus?
What does it look like to pursue ministry, success, family, or even church activity while slowly drifting from intimacy with Christ?
What are some signs that someone is operating out of pressure, anxiety, fear, or control rather than peace and communion with Jesus?
03: Discipleship
Dallas Willard defined a disciple as someone who has decided the most important thing in their life is to learn how to do what Jesus said to do.
Reflection:
Would you honestly describe yourself as a disciple of Jesus right now? Why or why not?
What is one area of Jesus’ teaching that you find difficult to obey?
What is the difference between knowing Jesus’ teachings and actually practicing them?
Why do you think information alone can sometimes give us the illusion of spiritual growth?
04: Making Disciples
The sermon emphasized that disciples make disciples.
Reflection:
Who has discipled you personally?
Who are you intentionally helping move toward Jesus right now?
What fears or obstacles keep Christians from making disciples?
What would it look like for disciple-making to become a normal part of your everyday life?
05: Life with God
Jesus ends the Great Commission with: “I am with you always.”
Reflection:
What does “life with God” practically look like in everyday life?
When do you most experience the presence and peace of Jesus?
What competes with your awareness of God’s presence?
How can we cultivate deeper communion with Jesus this week?
Group Reflection:
Take a quiet minute as a group and reflect on this question: What mountain am I currently climbing?
Then reflect on this:
Have I truly made discipleship to Jesus the north star of my life?
After a minute of silence, invite people to share if they feel comfortable.
