Discussion Jumpstarter

Study leader reference - not a definitive answer

Question 9

The “continue the mission until the mission changes” army illustration frames obedience as the central continuity across both Testaments; what do you think the “mission change” is from Old Testament to Jesus, and how does that reshape what faithful obedience looks like when it costs you something tangible?

Another way to ask: What do you think changed from the Old Testament to Jesus about God’s “mission”? How does that change what obedience looks like when it costs you something real?

Discussion Jumpstarter

Direct Answer
In Dean’s framing, the “mission change” is that God’s people no longer carry out God’s kingdom purposes through physical warfare or “eye for an eye,” but through Jesus’ commands—especially enemy-love—while still maintaining the same core requirement: strict obedience to the Commander. Faithful obedience becomes costly in a different way: refusing retaliation and trusting Jesus’ way as God’s current mission.

Support from Transcript:

Dean’s army story ends with: “continue the mission until the mission changes,” illustrating ongoing obedience.
He says the consistent emphasis across Scripture is “hearing what God has said” and doing it: “listening to the voice of God exactly how he’s told us.”
He explicitly states the change: “it is not God that changed, but his types of his weapons have changed.”
Jesus marks the transition: “eye for an eye… but now I say, love your enemies.”
He insists Christian warfare is not against humans: “not with flesh and blood,” but spiritual powers.

Discussion Follow-ups Where do you most feel the cost of this mission—reputation, safety, money, career? What would it look like to obey Jesus “until the mission changes,” even when you disagree with the cost?

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