READING: Luke 24:13-43, Mark 16:12-13, John 20:19-23, Mark 16:14, John 20:24-21:25, Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24:44-49
As a team leader for the International Mission Board and a professor of a seminary whose motto is “Every Classroom a Great Commission Classroom,” I admit my missions bias as I read today’s Scriptures. At the same time, though, I don’t believe my position is simply one that my roles necessitate. instead, it’s the other way around: my position stands on the teachings of the Word to reach the nations, and my roles help me fulfill that mandate.
Four times in the Gospels we read Jesus’ words about getting the gospel to the nations:
- “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations . . .” (Matt 28:19)
- “Then he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’” (Mark 16:15)
- “He also said to them, ‘This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day, and repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:46-47)
- “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.’” (John 20:21)
No, doing the work of getting the gospel to the ends of the earth is not optional for believers. For any of us, in fact.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How much do you pray for missionaries on the front lines?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, bless those serving You around the world. I pray especially for (insert the name of a missionary you know).”
TOMORROW’S READING: Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:1-2:47
