Sermon Info
Summary
As Christ-followers, we are all called to engage in missions. Sometimes we think that mission work is reserved for others, but actually it is the responsibility of every person who is a Christian. We can engage locally, nationally, and internationally through our prayers, giving, going, and even sponsoring those in need. Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for Me,” in Matthew 25:40. Let’s follow Jesus and share His incredible love with others. Together we can make a difference in our world for the glory of our great God.
Content
Why Missions is Important
When many people, churched and unchurched, think of the word "missions," they think of missionaries. They think of those who spend their lives overseas, sharing the Gospel with people in unreached places. Yes, these missionaries are incredible – and they understand and are living out the Great Commission of going and making disciples (Matthew 28:19).
But, what we may not recognize is that we are all called to missions. Even if God did not call you to go overseas long term to share Christ with others, He did call you to live on mission. You have been called to engage in missions.
What the Bible Says about Missions
In Matthew 25, Jesus is talking with His disciples about serving and what that really looks like. He’s using a parable to describe what the day will be like when Jesus returns – and who it is that will really have made a difference for His kingdom in how they served others. The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40) The least of these… these are the people that God calls us to serve – those who cannot do anything for us in return. That’s what the heart of missions really is in the kingdom of God. Jesus tells this parable because He is emphasizing that missions means serving those that are the least of these in our local, national, and international communities. We all have a role to play in missions, just like Jesus says in Matthew 25.
We also read about this in the Great Commission: 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 (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus’ departing words on this earth were to commission us to go out and make disciples. We were commanded to GO. Jesus’ call was for each and every Christ follower. We have all been called to missions.
You are Called to Missions
Missions isn't just for someone else. It’s for YOU. If you call yourself a follower of Jesus, then missions is a calling that Jesus has on your life. We can’t do everything – that’s not what God calls us to. But, we can do something. And if we each do something, then collectively, we will make a God-sized difference locally, nationally, and to the ends of the earth.
What's God calling you to do for the sake of His kingdom? Are you willing to take a step into what it is that He's calling you to? We all have a role to play when it comes to missions, so let's see what God does through our obedience. Every act done in the name of Jesus matters.
