Missionaries
Tokyo, Japan | 123 Million people live in Japan, and it is 98.5% non-christian.
One of the basics of Christianity is the idea of missions. To be sent on mission means we don’t simply receive Jesus, we also have the privilege and duty of helping others receive him as well. Right before ascending to heaven Jesus gave his disciples (and by extension us) this command. He said:
Matthew 28:18-20
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Notice a few things about this passage:
First, we tell others about Jesus because he has all authority. The idea of trying to convert others is offensive to many in our culture. It flies against the popular (but incorrect) idea that all ways lead to God. We don’t believe all ways lead to God—we believe there is only one way to God, and that’s through Jesus. And that’s why we share. Jesus has all authority. He is the way, the truth, and the life.
Secondly, all christians are commanded (not just pastors and professional missionaries and church staff), but all of us, to make disciples. And in the original Greek text, the phrase “make disciples” is a command. Jesus commands us to be about the task of making disciples. Are you seeking to obey this command?
Thirdly, Jesus explains what it means to make a disciple. It involves: going, baptizing new believers, and teaching them to do everything Jesus has commanded. Making a disciple includes not only sharing the gospel with someone, but baptizing them into the family of God, and helping them to know what it means to follow Jesus in every part of their lives.
Fourthly, Jesus is with us as we are on mission. We don’t have the power or the wisdom to know how to make disciples, but Jesus does. He is with us and empowering us as we seek to obey his command to make disciples.
- Ben
