Jesus: the Master of Missions - Discussion Starters

Sent to save. Your lesson editor calls the incarnation of Jesus “a radical change.” Was His change into human form necessary for our salvation? Why? Do you believe that Jesus retains His humanity today? forever?
The Old Testament Jesus. How important was our Creator and Savior in
Image © Phil McKay from GoodSalt.com

the saga of the Old Testament? What is the Lord’s dominion? We think of ourselves today as belonging to the remnant church. How could early Christians also consider that they are members of the remnant? What is the primary task of the remnant? Can huge differences in culture be overcome to let others know about salvation? How does that happen? Who is the “living temple”?
First to the lost sheep of Israel. Were non-Jewish people marginalized (made to seem less important) in the Scriptures? Why? Explain the use of the word “only” in Matthew 15:24. Did God have a special plan for the Jewish people? If so, what was that plan? Does God have a plan for us today in setting up mission centers in cities and around the world? Your lesson guide says that the move “is directed to creating a center in order to establish a strong and stable geographical and cultural base: Israel and the Jewish people.” How does that method apply today?
Mission to the Gentiles. How do you feel about the vast expansion of the gospel message to all unbelievers? Do you think of yourself as a Gentile? Or are you more like a spiritual Jew converted to Christianity? Does it matter? Why or why not? How many are invited today to join the ministry of Jesus reaching out to all the world? Do we often turn away from such invitations because we’re otherwise too involved?
The Great Commission. How do you feel about the “great gospel commission” as the Christian’s marching orders? What opportunities do we have to respond to the Great Commission without traveling to far-away countries? Our church has grown from 1 million to nearly 19 million since I graduated from college in 1963. What work remains? Are you ready to sign up and become involved in reaching others?