Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them Mat 28:16 

Recurrent Thought

Christ-devoted followers, aka disciples of Jesus Christ, are those who respond obediently to Christ’s directions

Introduction

The resurrection of Jesus changed everything. Fear became faith, despair turned into hope, and scattered disciples were gathered again. Matthew 28:16 places us in a very simple but powerful scene: the disciples went where Jesus told them to go. Before the Great Commission is spoken, there is obedience. Before the mission is given, there is direction. This verse teaches us that discipleship is not random. True disciples are directed disciples. Four Elements to this directed lifestyle

1.  Disciples are Directed by the Commands of Christ
   1. Discipleship begins with obedience to Christ’s word
   2. The disciples did not decide on their own. Jesus had already instructed them (Matthew 28:10).
   3. Christ’s authority is rooted in who He is—the risen Lord (Matthew 28:18).
   4. In Greek, the idea of going implies intentional movement, not hesitation.
   5. Disciples went like Abraham, who “went out, not knowing whither he went” (Hebrews 11:8), disciples obey even when details are not clear.
   6. To believers, the challenging fact is that obedience comes before understanding.
   7. Many believers want explanations before obedience. Christ asks for trust first.
2. Disciples Embrace the Cost of Obedience
   1. These men had failed Jesus before (Matthew 26:56), yet they still obeyed. Mat 26:56  But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.
   2. Obedience does not mean perfection, but submission. As a disciple, learn never to let past failure stop your present day obedience.
   3. The Simplicity of True Discipleship is in the obedience to the directives of the Master
      • The verse simply states that the went to Galilee. True discipleship is not complicated, but it is demanding. 
      • We also must understand that delayed obedience is actually disobedience. The story of two sons being sent by the Father 
        
        Mat 21:28  “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 
        
        Mat 21:29  And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. 
        
        Mat 21:30  And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. 
        
        Mat 21:31  Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. 
        
        Mat 21:32  For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him
3. Disciples are Directed to Places Appointed by Christ
   1. Part of being a directed disciple is to understand that Your steps are directed by God Psalm 37:23 – “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD.”
   2. This text reveals that they went to a specific place, a mountain, as Jesus directed
   3. Christ not only directs the disciple, but also appoints the place of encounter.
   4. The Place was intentionally appointed revealing the fact that God’s appointments are never accidental.
4. Disciples are Directed Towards Christ’s Mission Christ (Math. 28:19)
   1. Obedience Prepares for Commission. It is interesting to note that those who obeyed were entrusted with the Great Commission. Luke 16:10 – “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.”
   2. One major lesson to every disciple grasps is that Faithfulness opens doors to fruitfulness.
   3. This text places meeting Christ before serving Him. The disciples first met Jesus, then were sent by Jesus.
   4. Effective Christ-devoted followers quickly understand that ministry without communion produces burnout.
   5. The apostles in Acts 1:4 were told to wait before going. We should ensure that we do not run ahead of Christ; We must walk with Him.

Conclusion

• Matthew 28:16 teaches us that discipleship is not passive. Directed disciples obey Christ’s voice, go where He appoints, and stand ready to receive His mission.