In this recorded Wednesday night Bible class on discipleship, Garrett Bookout reviews the previous week's discussion of Matthew 28:18-20 (the Great Commission) and explains that the session is shortened due to icy weather, shifting focus from interactive discussion to preparation for the next class. He recaps core ideas of discipleship as following and imitating Jesus through His practices (spiritual disciplines) and emphasizes the command to make disciples rather than merely evangelizing or baptizing. The lesson concludes by introducing several thought-provoking questions about Jesus' authority, responsibility for disciple-making, the role of baptism, teaching obedience versus information, and the promise of Christ's presence to guide next week's group discussion.

In this Bible class recording, teacher Garrett Bookout addresses his congregation amid hazardous icy conditions, opting for a pre-recorded lesson instead of live discussion. He briefly reviews the prior week's exploration of discipleship—rooted in the simple call to "follow" Jesus as His earliest disciples did—and connects it to modern imitation of Christ through spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, and Scripture engagement. The core of the lesson centers on Matthew 28:18-20, the Great Commission, where Jesus declares His all-encompassing authority before commanding His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them... [and] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." Bookout stresses that disciple-making is the primary imperative (with going, baptizing, and teaching as supporting actions), distinguishes it from superficial evangelism or baptism-focused efforts, and highlights the need to help others recognize Jesus' authority, teach genuine obedience through relational mentoring rather than mere information transfer, and rely on Christ's promised ongoing presence. To prepare for richer interaction next week, he shares several open-ended questions for personal reflection throughout the week, encouraging the group to consider how these truths apply to their own lives and outreach.

Introduction and Context
- Greeting adjusted for time differences (morning for speaker, evening class).
- Explanation for recorded format due to dangerous icy weather and safety concerns.
- Original plan was discussion-based; shifted to review and preview questions for next week.

Quick Review of Last Week's Discussion
- Quarter theme: Discipleship.
- Early disciples' basic understanding: "follow" Jesus—being with Him, learning from Him, imitating His life and teachings.
- Modern application: Imitating Jesus through His spiritual disciplines (prayer, fasting, meditation, fellowship, Scripture use) that empowered His sinless life.

Focus Passage: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)
- Jesus declares all authority in heaven and on earth given to Him.
- Command: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..."
--- Baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
--- Teaching them to observe all that He commanded.
- Promise: "I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Preparation for Next Week's Discussion
- Goal: Plant questions now so participants can reflect during the week and contribute thoughtfully next time.

Future Discussion Questions
- How does Jesus' authority (in heaven and on earth) shape our understanding of discipleship? (Including how it motivates obedience to the command and how we help others recognize His authority.)
- Who is responsible for making disciples? (Originally given to the apostles/disciples—does it apply to all believers today? How do passages like James 3:1 and Ephesians 4's gifted roles factor in?)
- How does the command to "make disciples" differ from usual methods of evangelism? (Emphasizing disciple-making as the main imperative, not just "go and baptize.")
- How does baptism relate to the command to make disciples? (Necessary part of the process; symbolic of death to self, burial, and resurrection to new life in Christ.)
- Is there a difference between teaching information and teaching obedience? (Obedience requires relational time, modeling, encouragement, and correction—like coaching—beyond just doctrinal lessons.)
- Why does Jesus end the Great Commission with the promise of His presence? (The promise continues today; how should awareness of Christ's presence encourage and sustain us in disciple-making?)

Closing
- Encouragement to reflect on one or more questions during the week.
- Hope for meaningful discussion next week.
- Wishes for safety, warmth, love, and plans to see everyone (hopefully) on Sunday.