JOURNEY WITH THE WORD
Part 6: The Process Of Purpose (Matthew 22–28)
I. THE PROCESS THAT LEADS TO PURPOSE (MATTHEW 22-25)
(MATTHEW 22–25)
Before Jesus reaches the cross in Matthew 26, He spends Matthew 22–25 preparing the disciples for purpose. These chapters reveal that purpose is developed through process, and that process always includes honor, obedience, stewardship, readiness, and sacrifice.
Purpose is not discovered in comfort—it is refined through preparation.
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A. HONORING GOD ABOVE EVERYTHING
Matthew 22:34–40
The Greatest Commandment
Jesus teaches that the entire law is fulfilled in loving God and loving others.
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Matthew 22:37–39
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind… and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Key Principle
Purpose begins with honor and devotion to God. Before God entrusts us with assignments, He calls us to surrender our hearts.
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Sacrifice starts with the heart.
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Application
Purpose is not about position—it is about devotion. When we honor God first, our decisions, relationships, and calling begin to align with His will.
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Reflection Question
Is my love for God shaping my priorities, decisions, and sacrifices?
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Mind Mastery Question
What areas of my life still compete with my devotion to God?
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B. AUTHENTIC FAITH OVER EMPTY RELIGION
Matthew 23
Jesus confronts the hypocrisy of the Pharisees.
Matthew 23:23
“You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.”
Key Principle
Purpose requires authentic integrity. God is not impressed by performance if the heart is not surrendered.
Sacrifice means giving God truth, not appearance.
Application
True spiritual maturity is demonstrated through humility, service, and sincerity—not recognition.
Reflection Question
Am I pursuing God for transformation or for appearance?
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Mind Mastery Question
Am I more concerned with being seen as spiritual or actually becoming spiritually mature?
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C. PREPARATION FOR THE RETURN OF CHRIST
Matthew 24
Jesus teaches about the coming kingdom and the need for spiritual readiness.
Matthew 24:10-13
10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
Matthew 24:42
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
Key Principle
Purpose requires spiritual alertness. Those who fulfill God’s purpose live with urgency and expectation.
Sacrifice includes living faithfully even when the timeline is unknown.
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Application
Believers must live with discipline, perseverance, and faithfulness while waiting for Christ’s return.
Reflection Question
Am I living today in a way that prepares me for eternity?
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Mind Mastery Question
If Jesus returned today, would my priorities reflect that I was expecting Him?
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D. STEWARDSHIP OF WHAT GOD ENTRUSTS
Matthew 25:14–30
The Parable of the Talents
In this parable, servants are entrusted with resources and held accountable for how they used them.
Matthew 25:21
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things.”
Key Principle
Purpose grows through faithful stewardship. God multiplies what we manage well.
Sacrifice often involves investing what we have instead of hiding it out of fear.
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Application
God gives every believer gifts, influence, and opportunities to expand His kingdom.
Reflection Question
How am I using what God has placed in my hands?
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Mind Mastery Question
Am I maximizing my God-given gifts or minimizing them out of fear or comfort?
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E. SACRIFICE THROUGH SERVING OTHERS
Matthew 25:31–46
Jesus teaches that serving others is ultimately serving Him.
Matthew 25:40
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Key Principle
Purpose is revealed through sacrificial compassion. God measures faithfulness by how we treat people.
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Sacrifice is not only what we give to God—but also what we give for others.
Application
Serving the hungry, hurting, broken, and marginalized reflects the heart of Christ.
Reflection Question
Who around me needs the love of Christ expressed through action?
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Mind Mastery Question
Do my actions demonstrate the compassion of Christ toward others?
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Matthew 22–25 reveals that purpose develops through:
- Devotion — Loving God completely
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- Integrity — Authentic faith over religious performance
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- Readiness — Living with eternal awareness
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- Stewardship — Faithfully managing what God gives
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- Compassion — Serving others sacrificially
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Before Jesus demonstrates the ultimate sacrifice in Matthew 26, He prepares His disciples to understand the process of purpose.
Purpose is never accidental. It is formed through devotion, obedience, and sacrifice.
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II. THE PASSION AND PURPOSE OF JESUS (MATTHEW 26:36–46)
A. JESUS PRAYS IN GETHSEMANE: OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S WILL IN SUFFERING
Matthew 26:36–46
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be grieved and agitated. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” 39 And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me, yet not what I want but what you want.” 40 Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? 41 Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial;[a] the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Now the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Get up, let us be going. Look, my betrayer is at hand.”
CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS CONTEXT
1. THE SETTING OF THE MOUNT OF OLIVES
Luke 21:37 And in the daytime He was teaching in the temple, but at night He went out and stayed on the mountain called Olivet.
2. JESUS UNDERSTANDING OF SUFFERING
A. Jesus Grief (Matthew 26:38)
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B. Jesus Dilemma and Obedience (Matthew 26:39-44)
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• Suffering through Shame
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• Faith in Suffering
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C. The Prophecy of Isaiah 7:14
JESUS’ PRAYER IS A MODEL OF SURRENDER
This prayer:
1. ACKNOWLEDGES THE WEIGHT OF THE MISSION
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2. DEMONSTRATES ABSOLUTE TRUST
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3. FORESHADOWS VICTORY THROUGH SUBMISSION
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RELEVANCE TO THE DISCIPLES
TAKEAWAYS
1. THE WEIGHT OF OBEDIENCE
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2. THE POWER OF PRAYER
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3. THE HOPE OF REDEMPTION
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BIBLICAL EXAMPLE: JESUS’ OBEDIENCE
Application:
Reflection Question: In what areas do you need to surrender your will to God’s purpose?
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III. THE RESURRECTION AND COMMISSION (MATTHEW 28:18–20)
A. THE MISSION TO MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS
B. MATTHEW 28:18–20 (THE GREAT COMMISSION)
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”
Question: What is The Great Commission?
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Key Elements of the Great Commission
1. Authority of Jesus
2. Call to Action
“Go therefore”
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“Make disciples”
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3. Inclusivity of the Mission
“Of all nations”
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4. Practices of Discipleship
Baptizing
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Teaching
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5. Promise of Presence
“I am with you always”
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Why It Matters
Calls Christians to:
Share the Gospel with the world.
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Cultivate spiritual growth in themselves and others.
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Live with the assurance that Jesus is always present, empowering them to fulfill their calling.
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The Great Commission encapsulates the heart of Christian ministry and evangelism, emphasizing the spread of God’s kingdom through love, teaching, and obedience.
HONOR AND CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS
1. VALIDATION OF JESUS’ MINISTRY
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2. THE RADICAL NATURE OF THE GREAT COMMISSION
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A. A MESSAGE TO A MARGINALIZED GROUP
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B. EXPANSION BEYOND BOUNDARIES
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Biblical Example
3. EMPOWERMENT BY JESUS’ AUTHORITY
Cultural Insight
4. PROMISE OF HIS PRESENCE
HOW CAN I APPLY THIS?
1. EXPANDING YOUR VISION
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2. LIVING WITH AUTHORITY AND ASSURANCE
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3. COMMITMENT TO THE MISSION
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Reflection Question: What steps can you take to disciple others in your community?
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