Table of Contents
PRAYER
Our main goal in this time together is to build relationships and learn to walk alongside one another in all that God has called us to be and do. Let’s start by praying for each other.
Does anyone have prayer requests or personal stories of how God has been moving in your life that we can celebrate together?
THIS WEEK
Today, we’re discussing what it really means to show up in people’s lives just as Jesus did in Scripture.
In The Ministry of Presence, we unpack Matthew 9 and explore what it means to be present the way Jesus was—deeply, compassionately, and purposefully. Jesus didn’t wait for people to come to Him. He went to them, teaching, healing, and seeing them with compassion. And He calls us to do the same. The ministry of presence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about slowing down and being present in three key ways.
To start our time together, let’s begin with the following questions:
Share a time that a random stranger helped you out in a small but meaningful way that made you feel “seen” or truly noticed?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
SCRIPTURE
Have someone read Matthew 9:35-38 aloud. As you listen, notice any words or phrases that stand out, and ask the Holy Spirit to highlight something for you.
Matthew 9:35-38
35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
What does it look like to follow Jesus as disciples who make disciples?
To be like Jesus is to be sent.
“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.” —Mathew 9:35
Matthew 9:35 shows us His mission was active, personal, and among the people. As His followers, we’re called to do the same—go where people are, share the gospel, meet needs, and live as Spirit-empowered, apostolic people every day, not just on Sundays.
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “you are sent”? Do you see that as a burden or an opportunity? Why?
In what ways do you think simply being present with people can be powerful—even without words?
Jesus didn’t wait for people to come to Him—He went to them. How does that challenge your view of faith, church, or community?
What barriers make it difficult to be “sent” in everyday life? How might those be overcome?
Where do you feel most “sent” right now—in your life, relationships, or rhythms? Where do you feel the least?
How might your story—your wins, your wounds, or your walk with God—help someone else see that Jesus is near?
To be like Jesus is to see people as He did.
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” —Mathew 9:36
To be like Jesus is to truly see people—not with judgment, but with compassion. In Matthew 9:36, Jesus saw the crowds as harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. His response was not frustration, but deep, gut-level compassion. Similarly, we’re called to slow down, pay attention, and let our hearts be moved like His to see people as He did, where we live, work, and play.
What does “compassion” look like in everyday life—and where is it commonly lacking in today’s culture?
How do you typically respond when someone sins repeatedly in the same way? Why do you think that is?
What’s one way you can move from frustration to compassion with this person this week?
How do you think Jesus sees you and your struggle with sin?
If you knew someone’s struggles more fully, how might it change how you treat them?
Who in your life do you need to slow down and really “see” like He did?
To be like Jesus is to boldy ask.
“Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’” —Matthew 9:37-38
After seeing the crowds and feeling deep compassion, Jesus doesn’t stop there—He boldly asks the Father to send laborers into the harvest. Why? Because shepherding is what people most need, and Jesus is the ultimate Shepherd, the Good Shepherd.
His response to human need is both a prayer and a participation, a commissioning of sorts: We’re called to ask God for more workers and to be those workers ourselves. This means following Jesus isn’t passive—it’s active, present, and deeply personal. He’s sending us to serve, just like He once did for all, and He’s sending someone to show up for us when we’re in need.
What’s something you’ve seen in the world that stirred compassion in you? Did it move you to action—or why not?
Why is it easier to outsource caring for others (to churches, charities, or systems) rather than engage personally?
If someone were to ask, “What breaks your heart most in this world?”—what would you say?
How can your prayers align more with Jesus’ heart for people rather than just your personal needs?
What makes you hesitate to “be the laborer” Jesus asks for? What’s one step you can take this week to change that?
How can you practice praying and participating in God’s mission today?
CLOSING THOUGHT
The ministry of presence isn’t about perfection—it’s about participation.
When we slow down to be with others like Jesus was, we’re stepping into our calling as a sent people, with eyes open to the hurting and hearts ready to ask the Lord of the harvest to send more laborers—including us.
Let’s not miss our moment. Let’s move with compassion. Let’s ask boldly. Let’s be present.
Because presence is the beginning of discipleship—and the spark of revival.
Let’s close in prayer: Jesus, thank You for being the Good Shepherd who sees us, has compassion on us, and sends us. Teach us to slow down and be present like You—to see people through Your eyes, to love them with Your heart, and to pray bold prayers that send laborers into Your harvest. Make us those laborers, Lord. Use our lives—where we live, work, and play—for Your kingdom and glory. Amen.
Alvin Brown, the Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church Fort Worth, brings over a decade of pastoral ministry experience and more than 20 years of operational and technical leadership expertise. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications Management from DeVry University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Mallary, and their three children and contributing as a writer to various media outlets.
