Starting Point - Engage

Key Points

Jesus commanded us to make disciples (Matt. 28:18-20) and to be his witnesses (Acts 1:8).  Some may think that these commands only applied to the apostles, but we know they apply to all believers because Jesus said, ““And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  Since the original disciples are no longer here, it must apply to us!  Also, Jesus said “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, …”, but the Holy Spirit didn’t come until after Jesus ascended and is given to all believers when we are saved.

Matt. 28:18-20 “18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 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, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” Acts 1:8 “8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””

These two commands can be summarized as “Go and make disciples”, and “be my witnesses”.

Let’s explore how to do this.

Over time, we’ve been conditioned that most church work occurs during church events, and mostly on Sundays.  The problem with this is that once the event is over, we go about our business.  While this is certainly what the church should be doing corporately, is this the extent of what Jesus expects of us?

God expected his people to work six days and then take a Sabbath rest (Leviticus 23:3).  Jesus worked every day (even on the Sabbath sometimes), and said “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” John 5:17.  We should be on-mission continually. Jesus established high expectations for us when he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.”, John 20:21.  He even said we would do “even greater works than these” because he was going to the Father.  (John 14:12)

Lev. 23:3 “3 “Work may be done for six days, but on the seventh day there is to be a Sabbath of complete rest, a sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; it is a Sabbath to the Lord wherever you live.”

John 5:17 “17 Jesus responded to them, “My Father is still working, and I am working also.””

John 20:21 “21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.””

John 14:12 “12 “Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.”

So, let’s examine an example of Jesus on mission to see what it looks like.

The Gerasenes Demoniac – Jesus uses a formerly demon possessed “Gentile”  to transform a town.

This story is presented Matthew, Mark and Luke.  Mark 4:36 says that Jesus left the crowd behind.  He left what was otherwise fruitful ministry for a particular reason.  What was Jesus doing?  Do you find it interesting that he decided to leave and travel to the other side of the lake?  

Jesus and the disciples cross the Sea of Galilee by boat most likely from Capernaum to the region of the Gerasenes (Luke 8: 22-26).   He was met by a demon possessed man.    This was a notoriously Gentile area with few Jews.   Why do you think Jesus went there? 

Jesus casts out the demons and they enter a herd of pigs who rush down a hill and drown.  Those tending the pigs, ran off and reported this in the town.   When people from the town came out to see what happened, they saw the man, dressed and in his right mind. The demoniac had been transformed by Jesus.  How did the townsfolk respond? Jesus got back in the boat, and the man who had been cleansed begged Jesus to let him come with him.  But Jesus told him: “Go home and tell how much God had done for you.”  And so the man did.

Mark 4:36 “36 So they left the crowd and took him along since he was in the boat. And other boats were with him.”

Luke 8:22-26 “22 One day he and his disciples got into a boat, and he told them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, 23 and as they were sailing he fell asleep. Then a fierce windstorm came down on the lake; they were being swamped and were in danger. 24 They came and woke him up, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to die!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves. So they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” They were fearful and amazed, asking one another, “Who then is this? He commands even the winds and the waves, and they obey him!” 26 Then they sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee.”

As in other encounters, Jesus intentionally meets people who need to be transformed by his power. The people Jesus transforms have a profound effect on the people around them, by their testimony. The effect of this man’s testimony was remarkable.  Mark 7:31 and following records a later trip Jesus makes to the region of the Decapolis. This time the people there are friendly.

Mark 7:31 “31 Again, leaving the region of Tyre, he went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through the region of the Decapolis.”

The man simply went home to his own people told them what had happened to him.  The people there knew the man and the way he used to be. People would wonder what happened to him. His story of redemption was enough. We engage in the mission when we simply go and tell the people we interact with.

What is your story of redemption?  What has Jesus done for you recently? Your story began with your salvation, and continues through today, and tomorrow, and until Jesus takes you home or comes back.

Where do you spend your days?  Who do you interact with?  Do you know if they have a relationship with Jesus? This is your mission field.  If you’ve never looked at it that way, take note of the people Monday-Saturday that you interact with.  Make a list.  Begin praying for them.

Next, start living the gospel.  Be humble.  Exercise personal sacrifice by considering others above yourself.  Forgive as Jesus forgave you.  Show compassion and demonstrate mercy and grace.

Living like this will shine a light in the darkness (Matthew 5:14-16) and people will be compelled to ask you why you’re different.  When they do, tell them your story of redemption.

Matt. 5:14-16 “14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”