The Mountains of God – Week 8 Guide

The Mountain of Resurrection – Matthew 28:16-20

To download the guide for this week, use the link below.

Opening Prayer

Crucified and Risen Lord, we gather today with gratitude and hope because Jesus Christ has conquered death and opened the way to new life. As we reflect on your Word, help us to understand more fully the meaning of the crucifixion and resurrection, and the mission you have given to your followers. Open our hearts, so we may trust you more deeply and follow you more faithfully. May your Spirit guide our conversation and strengthen our faith. In the name of the crucified and risen Christ we pray, Amen.

Connecting

Can you think of a moment in your life when hope returned after a difficult season or discouraging situation? What helped you begin to see things differently? 

The Mountain of Resurrection, Matthew 28:16-20

Matthew 28:16-20

¹⁶Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. ¹⁷When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

Questions for Discussion

1. Maundy Thursday Question: Before the resurrection, Jesus prayed on the Mount of Olives and surrendered himself to the Father’s will. How might Jesus’ surrender in that moment connect to the mission he gives his disciples after the resurrection? 
2. Good Friday Question: Jesus’ command to make disciples comes after his sacrifice on the cross at Calvary. How does remembering Jesus’ obedience and sacrifice shape the way we carry out the mission he gives us? 
3. When the disciples see the risen Jesus, the text says they worshiped him, but some doubted. Why do you think both worship and doubt appear in this moment? 
4. Jesus begins by saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Why is this important before he gives the Great Commission? 
5. Jesus commands his followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.” What does it mean to make disciples, rather than simply gain converts? 
6. Jesus instructs his followers to baptize and teach people to obey everything he commanded. Why do you think belonging (baptism), learning (teaching), and obedience (faithfulness) are important parts of faith? 
7. Jesus promises, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Why might this promise have been especially important for the disciples? 
8. How does the resurrection change the way we think about our purpose and mission as followers of Jesus? 

Praying for Each Other

Are there any joys to celebrate, any burdens we can share?

Closing prayer

Crucified and Risen Savior, thank you for the gift of new life, and the hope that comes out of the pangs of death through your resurrection. Help us to live as faithful disciples who follow your teaching and share your love with others. Give us courage to carry out the mission you have entrusted to your church, knowing that you are always with us. May our lives reflect the self-sacrificial love of the cross and the joy and power of the Empty Tomb. In your holy name we pray, Amen.