Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 1
In Matthew 28:19–20 the speaker emphasizes “teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you”; what specific teachings of Jesus (he named Matthew 5–7, Luke 6, John 15, Luke 14, Matthew 10, etc.) have been functionally missing in your own Christian upbringing or church life, and what do you think that omission has produced?
Another way to ask: Jesus said to teach people to obey everything he commanded. Which of Jesus’ teachings (like Matthew 5–7, Luke 6, John 15, Luke 14, Matthew 10) were mostly missing in your church life, and what effect do you think that has had?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s testimony, what was functionally missing was not “love God/love neighbor,” but Jesus’ *specific commands*—especially the costly discipleship teachings (Luke 14; Matthew 10) and Jesus’ call to hear and *do* his words. He suggests that omission produces Christians who cannot name or practice Christ’s commands and who assume following Jesus has little or no cost.
- He highlights the Great Commission focus: “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”
- He says growing up he had “really no clue” that he should learn “all things that Christ told his disciples,” and couldn’t “point out any of Christ…commanded here or there.”
- He lists key command-heavy sections: “Matthew 5 through 7… Luke 6… John 15… Matthew 10… Luke 14… Luke 12.”
- He notes many can only recall the summary command “love the Lord… and love our neighbors,” but says that is “not the comprehensive teachings of Christ.”
- He says many Christians think Jesus’ commandments were “something for the Old Testament,” leaving people “very few…even aware…Christ gave any commandments to obey.”