Rediscovering Biblical Discipleship – Bringing in the Harvest – John 20:21-22

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Rediscovering Biblical Discipleship – Bringing in the Harvest – John 20:21-22

26 January, 2025

Series: Disciple Maker

Book: John

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Scripture: John 20:19-22

Simon begins his sermon by revisiting John 20:21-22, where Jesus commissions His disciples to go out and bring in the harvest. He focuses on the phrase, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you,” explaining that Jesus, as the first “apostle” or sent one, is now sending His followers to bring in the harvest.

The concept of harvest is tied to making disciples, as outlined in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Simon breaks down the components of this commission:

1. Go: Simon explains that the Greek word for “go” is in the passive aorist tense, meaning “as you are going.” This implies that making disciples should be a constant part of a Christian’s life, not limited to specific times or places.

2. Baptize: This involves calling people to follow Jesus and baptizing them as an outward sign of their faith.

3. Teach: Disciples are to teach others to observe all that Jesus commanded, which primarily involves loving God and loving others.

Simon challenges the congregation to consider whether calling people to follow Jesus is part of their normal daily life, stating, “If it’s not – how can you call yourself a Christian?”

He then connects this mission to God’s overarching plan throughout Scripture, from the creation mandate in Genesis 1:28 to God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3, and Israel’s role as a light to the nations in Isaiah 49:6. Simon emphasizes that God’s desire has always been to reach the world through His people.

To encourage those who feel inadequate for this task, Simon turns to Acts 17:24-26. He explains that God has uniquely designed each person with specific abilities and placed them in particular locations and times for His purpose. He illustrates this point with a personal testimony of how he came to faith through a skateboarding friend who lived out his mission in everyday life.

Simon concludes by reminding the congregation that their placement in neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities is intentional. God has positioned them so that those seeking Him can find Him. He challenges listeners to see beyond their immediate circumstances and recognize their role in God’s greater purpose of making disciples.

Throughout the sermon, Simon maintains a conversational yet passionate tone, frequently using rhetorical questions and personal anecdotes to engage his audience. He emphasizes the practical application of living as one sent by God in everyday life.

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