Kernan Community Groups
Sermon Discussion Guide
April 19, 2026
Matthew: Mission Possible
Matthew 9:35–10:39
Matthew 9:35-38
[35] And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. [36] When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. [37] Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; [38] therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
2 Corinthians 5:20
[20] Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
1. Understanding the mission
a) every disciple is part of the mission
Why is it important that every follower of Jesus engage in the mission to make more disciples?
b) we are going against the flow of society and culture
Matthew 10:16, 22
[16] “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
[22] and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
The message Jesus preached got him killed. Now he’s telling his followers it may get them killed too. Why is it so controversial?
c) half-hearted commitment won’t cut it
Matthew 10:38-39
[38] And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. [39] Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
d) the mission is not impossible
John 16:33
[33] I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
How does this encourage you as you think about living on mission for Christ?
2. Motivation for the mission
What do you think keeps us from having this kind of Christlike compassion towards others?
Jesus didn’t just “feel” compassion towards you. He showed it. How did he do it? And how does that make you feel?
3. Fulfilling the mission
We must:
1. have meaningful conversations
2. when the time is right, don’t be afraid to share the gospel
3. serve the whole person
What are “meaningful conversations”?
What makes you hesitant to talk about your faith, and specifically what Jesus has done, with someone else?
How can you overcome these fears and hesitations?
The old saying proves true: “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care”. How can you better “serve the whole person”? In other words, what are some tangible ways you can show the non-Christians in your life that you genuinely care about them?
