When I read Jesus’ Great Commission, do I read it as simply a commission to His apostles or to me personally? What does it take to develop the habit of evangelism? It takes knowledge, skill and, most importantly, desire.

As we kick off a new year, let’s continue our discussion of Jesus’ Great Commission by thinking about WHY we would share the gospel with others. The joy of salvation is something that not only the new Christian feels. The one sharing the gospel feels it as well. Let’s keep this in mind as we prepare ourselves to share the gospel with others in 2021.

We bring our red letter year to a close with those red letters found outside the gospels. We see how Jesus empowered His apostles, how he called another apostle born out of season, and encouraged the church. Hopefully, our study has helped you learn more about Jesus, obey Him better and love Him more.

Jesus’ earthly ministry is coming to and end. He only has one thing left to do: Charge His apostles with the preaching of the gospel. Let’s see exactly what Jesus told his apostles to do to continue the Father’s business after His ascension.

If you were with the disciples after Jesus’ deaths & burial, how would you feel? Afraid, sorrowful, hopeless, doubtful? The disciples experienced all of these, yet the red letters of the risen Savior restored their hope, calmed their fears & and renewed their faith. His resurrection does the same for all who never saw Him but still believe. Let’s remember the power of the resurrection!

While on the cross, Jesus uttered three sentences that give us insight into His relationship with the Father. Ultimately, they demonstrate His faith and hope in the Father and His dedication to fulfilling the Father’s will. Let’s go to the cross for our red letters this week.

Picture you & I are in the group of disciples with Jesus before His death. We’re traveling with Jesus in the darkness of night through the Kidron Valley to Gethsemane. As the darkness presses in, Jesus says something that shakes us to the core: “I will strike the Shepherd & the sheep…will be scattered…”. What did He mean and what should we learn from these red letters?

If you were going to creat a memorial of an important event, what would you use? Jesus used the simple bread and fruit of the vine from the Passover meal to establish a memorial of His death that has stood for 2,000 years. Let’s remind ourselves of the significance of the Lord’s Supper.

As Christians, what is our duty to our government? Jesus was asked this question. His answer teaches us God’s principle of submission to authority, both to government and to God.

In our red letter study, we’ve come to the cross and the final words of Jesus before His death. Part 1 of our cross lessons show us that Jesus was still a servant to mankind even in His suffering. He provides care for His mother, comfort to a fellow sufferer, and forgiveness for His persecutors. Let’s listen to the ministering red letters of Jesus!