THE UPPER ROOM PT 9 – THE MISSION
Luke 24:44–49 (ESV)
“Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you,
that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.’” “And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
Acts 1:4–11
“And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, ‘you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’ “And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’”
From Revelation To Commission
In the Upper Room Jesus began planting seeds of Gospel clarity and identity— truths that now come into full view after the resurrection.
And In Luke 24, Jesus doesn’t introduce a new mission, He simply brings divine revelation to
the mission that has always existed. He roots their calling in the full narrative arc of
Scripture.
Jesus does not just want informed disciples— He wants commissioned witnesses.
Jesus says, “You Are Witnesses” - That phrase isn’t a suggestion - it’s an identity.
In the Greek, “witnesses” - “μάρτυς” (martus) — is the root of the word “martyr.”
From Promise To Power
The Holy Spirit isn’t just a doctrine to believe in - He is the power source for the Church’s
mission.
The mission Jesus gives is impossible without the power Jesus provides.
When Jesus says, - “You will receive power and you will be my witnesses,” is showing us that power and purpose are inseparable.
From Presence To Purpose
The Presence of Jesus Is Meant to Move Us into Mission - Jesus didn’t just want followers who worship at the mountain - He wanted disciples who witness in the streets.
The Church is not a people who just remember what Jesus did— we are a people who embody what Jesus is doing.
Jesus didn’t gather His disciples simply to inform them - but to form them - fill them - and then send them.
TABLE TIME:
As we engage in conversation, let Paul’s words to the Colossian church be our framework. Colossians 4:6, ‘Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.’
From Revelation to Commission (Luke 24:44–48)
Key Idea: Jesus opens our eyes to the truth so we can proclaim it, not just understand it.
What does it mean to you that Jesus “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures”?
Have you ever had a moment when Scripture suddenly came alive or made sense in a new way? Share about it.
Jesus tells His disciples that they are “witnesses of these things.” What do you think it means to live as a witness rather than just a believer?
How do we move from being consumers of biblical truth to proclaimers of the Gospel?
What barriers often hold us back from sharing our faith?
What message or part of your testimony is God calling you to share more boldly right now?
From Promise to Power (Luke 24:49 | Acts 1:4–8)
Key Idea: Jesus doesn’t just give a mission—He provides power through the Holy Spirit.
Why do you think Jesus told the disciples to wait before going out on mission?
What might “waiting on God” look like practically in our lives today?
How do you personally experience the Holy Spirit’s power and presence in your day-to-day life?
Jesus says that we will be His witnesses not only where we are, but “to the ends of the earth.”
What does your current mission field look like—your home, workplace, neighborhood, etc.?
Where is God calling you to be more intentional?
From Presence to Purpose (Acts 1:9–11)
Key Idea: We are not meant to stand still in awe, but to step forward in obedience.
What stands out to you about the angel’s question: “Why do you stand looking into heaven?”
How does this challenge us when we’re tempted to stay passive or comfortable?
What’s one area in your life right now where you sense Jesus calling you to move from awe into action?
The disciples had to shift from watching Jesus go, to carrying His mission forward.
What helps you stay mission-focused when life gets busy, painful, or uncertain?
PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER: