How Does Someone Like Me Go into All the World?

Have we been wrong to relegate the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20 to the Mission Committee? It has to mean more than just being the inspiration for going and giving for projects far away. And it must be more than an explanation of how one makes a disciple, though certainly that is there. It is too easy to simply make the point that “go into all the world” means go out of your front door and into your world. What does that mean in terms of real life action for those of us who are not going overseas? What does my life look like if I believe this call means more than just giving and praying for missions? I believe Jesus answers what it means for all of his followers to go into their world and made other followers. I think he explains how to go, where to go, and what to do when we get there. Listen to the stories he told about going into your world to make disciples.

How do I go? I go living forgiven.

She was a woman caught in adultery. The response by those who caught her was the familiar refrain of guilt, shame, and feelings of worthlessness. But Jesus offered forgiveness, not condemnation. And then he told her to “go and leave your life of sin.” Go back among her friends and family as a changed person. Live forgiven. That is how we demonstrate the truth that Jesus changes lives. We are the living examples of God’s work in this world.

Where do I go? To those in need – and then serve them intentionally.

The story of the Good Samaritan was told to illustrate who our neighbor is. It is the story of a man who saw someone in need and then did something about it. He cared for them. Your world, your neighborhood, is full of hurting people in need of help. Physical needs, emotional needs, spiritual needs. Sick people, abused people, lonely people, addicted people. The last thing Jesus said after the story of the Good Samaritan was for us to “go and do the same.” So we go into our world as servants committed to helping others. But we do it with purpose.

We serve intentionally in the name of Jesus. This gives us credibility to speak into lives. Our lives are living proof that Jesus works. Our service is the proof that the Jesus story is worth hearing.

What do I do when I go? Speak with courage the story of Jesus.

He fought so many demons he was called Legion. He was lonely and in pain. Jesus met him, connected with him, and healed him. When Jesus left that place, Legion was ready to go with him. He was all in for a mission trip with Jesus. Except that Jesus told him no. Instead, he told him to go home to his family and tell them what the Lord had done for him and how he had mercy on him.

Our lives give credibility to the story of Jesus. Our service gives opportunity to share that story. But you will not make followers of Jesus in your world until you tell them the good news of Jesus. Tell your story. Tell his story. And invite them to become part of the story.

Go into all the world. Go into your world.

Live forgiven.

Serve with purpose.

Speak with courage.

And you will make followers… who will make followers… who will make followers.