Week 9 - Day 1
THE STORY
Mission
RESCUED FOR A REASON
We have worked through Creation, Rebellion and Rescue. Which brings us to Mission. Jesus doesn’t just save us FROM our sins, He saves us FOR a purpose—to join His Rescue Mission to the world.
The following passage comes from Jesus’ first appearance to His disciples after His Resurrection from the dead. The disciple had already heard from the women that Jesus was alive. But because of their lack of faith and fear of the Jewish leaders they stayed in hiding behind locked doors. That didn’t stop Jesus from coming to them, though.
John 20:21 (NET)
So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. Just as the Father has sent me, I also send you.”
Take a moment and read that again slowly and with emphasis.
So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. JUST AS the Father has sent ME, I ALSO send YOU” (emphasis added).
What a staggering Mission!
Why did the Father send Jesus? So now why does Jesus send us?
How did the Father send Jesus? So now how does Jesus send us?
What were the results of the Father sending Jesus? So now what would the results be of Jesus sending us?
Once again, we have been rescued for a reason. The rescued become rescuers. This is our Mission.
Read the following passages and answer this question: According to this passage what is the nature of our Mission?
Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV)
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
According to this passage, what is the nature of our Mission?
Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
According to this passage, what is the nature of our Mission?
Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV)
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
According to this passage, what is the nature of our Mission?
1 Peter 2:12 (NIV)
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
According to this passage, what is the nature of our Mission?
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
According to this passage, what is the nature of our Mission?
Micah 6:8 (NIV)
What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
According to this passage, what is the nature of our Mission?
Matthew 10:8 (NIV)
Freely you have received; freely give.
According to this passage, what is the nature of our Mission?
Once again, Jesus not only saves us, but He calls us to now partner with Him in His Rescue Mission to the world. To put it simply: the rescued become rescuers; the blessed become blessings. Just as the Father has sent me, I also send you.
We could picture this calling and this Mission like this:
In light of what you have discovered through the Bible readings and your personal reflections, how will you respond? Finish this sentence: I will …