Session Six:
‘THE COMMISSIONING’ AND ‘BEYOND THE CLOUDS’
In this sixth session we will think about The Great Commission, and then move on to look at the ascension.
Discussion Guide
WATCH VIDEO - Part 1
‘THE COMMISSIONING’
Watch the first part of the video where we consider Jesus’s final words to the disciples, which have become known as The Great Commission.
Read John 20:21
Discuss: Where have you been sent? How does this verse give you confidence in your sending?
Additional Questions
How do you think that the commissioning Jesus gave to the eleven might apply today?
How do you feel doubters would have felt when they were included in the commissioning? Do you think they would have responded positively or negatively, why?
WATCH VIDEO - Part 2
‘BEYOND THE CLOUDS’
Watch the second part of the video where we look at Jesus’s ascension on the Mount of Olives.
Read Psalm 110
Discuss: How does knowing that Christ is reigning and ruling in the heavens affect your earthly walk, following Him?
Additional questions
What reasons do you think lay behind Jesus telling His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit in order to be His witnesses?
Why do you think Jesus diverted the attention of the disciples away from their focus on the restoration of the kingdom of Israel?
PRAYER & REFLECTION
End your time as a group, or individually, in a time of prayer.
If it is helpful, below is a written prayer you can use as a reflection on the two encounters that we have looked at in this session.
Lord,
the commissioning that is ours as Your disciples can only be fulfilled if You remain with us.
We thank You for Your promise never to leave us.
May that strengthen us in our resolve to fulfil Your will.
Send us Your Holy Spirit to empower us that we might witness
with our lives as well as our words bringing You all the glory.
And help us to see beyond the Ascension Day clouds.
We need a vision of You seated at the right hand of the Father.
Help us move on from sentimental gazing
to a determination to receive Your power and do Your will.
In Your grace You have shown us Your resurrection life,
help us to grasp the significance of living that life
so that our witness is worthy of You.
Amen
THE BOOK BEHIND
THE VIDEO SERIES
Because I Live
Re-imagining the resurrection appearances of Jesus
‘A beautifully produced, full-colour book to treasure and share.’
‘A great addition alongside the video series’