Disciple Someone – Christ Commands

Read

Read the complete passage aloud.

Primary passage

Matthew 5:17–20

17 “Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill. 18 For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever shall break one of these least commandments and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

World English Bible

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus says He came not to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfill them.

Discuss

Listen carefully to what Jesus says.

What does Jesus command?
What does this passage reveal about Him?
Where do we resist this command?
What is difficult or unclear?
How does Jesus’ fulfillment of Scripture shape the way disciples obey and teach God’s commands?

Practice

Choose one specific act of obedience.

Choose one clear teaching of Jesus you already understand but have delayed. Practice it this week before explaining it to someone else.

Return

Come back and discuss what happened.

What changed when you practiced before teaching, and where did you notice the difference between outward compliance and inward obedience?

Close together

Pray. Then prepare to teach.

Pray

Jesus, keep us from teaching what we refuse to practice. Form in us an obedience that begins in the heart and honors the purpose of Scripture.

Teach

Teach this passage with Jesus’ statement about fulfillment in view; avoid treating obedience as rule-keeping detached from Him.