The Three Commandments

This is a study of the "three great commands" and their relationship to one another.  It also explains the three-thirds AIM pattern in a simple form using symbols that build toward church identityInstructions:

The basis of this study is Matthew 22.34-40 and Matthew 28.16-20. 

Begin by asking a participant to read the first passage, then note the following:

• Jesus was being tested.  How did the Pharisse hope to trap Him?
• He quotes Moses in Deut. 6.5 and Lev. 19.18, reinforcing the Law
• "Love" in both instances refers to agape, not philos.
• v.40 notes that Jesus has summarized the Old Testament in two statements!

Draw an equilateral triangle on the board, with "Love God" at the top to remind them of the first and foremont command.  Write "Love People" on the bottom left as a reminder of the second command.

With the strong use of agape (sacrificial love) we use the phrases Accountability to One Another and Intimacy with God to remember these essential commands.  Write these below the corresponding points on the triangle.

Now, ask a participant to read the second passage and note the following:

• Jesus establishes His authority and then gives a command.
• His command to go and make disciples highlights the essetial nature of His work in making disciples during His ministry. 
• The Great Commission speaks of generational growth.  Like 2 Timothy 2.2, it speaks of 4 generations:
  • Jesus
  • the Twelve ("go")
  • the disciples of the Twelve ("make disciples")
  • the ones they made when they obeyed ("teaching them to obey")

Complete the triangle by writing "Make Disciples" in the lower right corner. 

The word 'mission' can be limited to a statement or a strategy, so we use the phrase Multiplication of the Kingdom to emphasize what Jesus desires as a result.  Write this below the lower-left point.

The next part fleshes out the three-thirds AIM pattern.  Using the symbols as well as their meanings, write out each point and explain the importance of each in training disciples.