THE MISSION...ACCORDING TO JESUS (FBC Ft Walton Beach)

I’m excited to be here, like the older woman who came to talk to the guest pastor at the revival saying, “You remind me of my 4th husband.”

He replied, “How many husbands have you had?”

She sheepishly grinned, “Three.”

I am so grateful to be here with you and with Rabbi Wade Humphries. Wade is a godly guy. He seeks the Lord about almost everything. I was blown away when he told me how he was even seeking God about his first kiss with Claire.

He prayed, “Father Father up above, should I guess the one I love.”

Ben said he heard a voice say, “Sinner, sinner down below, pucker up and let her go!”

A granddaughter was sitting on Grandpa's lap as he was reading the paper not paying any attention to her studying the wrinkles on his old face. She got up the nerve and rubbed her fingers over the wrinkles and then over her own face which contained a puzzled look.

She finally asks, 'Grandpa, did God make YOU'?

'He sure did honey, a long time ago', he replied.

'Well, Grandpa - did God make ME?' she said.

'Yes He did, and that wasn't too long ago', he said.

She thought for a minute and then said, 'Boy, He's sure doing a lot better job these days, isn't He?'

A few years ago I was able to preach at the Homecoming service of my home church. I noticed everyone was a little older & grayer than when I last remembered them. Thankfully, God is more concerned about our inside than our outside - as He transforms our thoughts, actions, attitudes, & relationships.

On this Sunday I am grateful for how God has used THIS CHURCH to shape you as God has used MY HOME CHURCH to shape me.

I’m sure many teachers have invested in your children. I trust that adults have opened their homes to teenagers. I pray that God will continue to use THIS CHURCH, to demonstrate that following Jesus is worthy of our lives.

To those who continue to give of your Time, Talents, & Treasure - Thank you for the making an eternal difference!

So first, I am here to say THANK YOU.

Secondly, I am here to challenge you to continue The Mission.

In order to complete that mission, we first need to make sure we know what it is.

Girls Basketball. My middle school boys basketball team was forced to sit and watch our girls team play BEFORE our game began. Now while some of the girls were quite good, some weren’t...and the score was always much lower than our boys‘ games - sometimes breaking into the double-digits.

I remember one of those games vividly as one of the girls who rarely got to play came into the game. The game was quite boring…Until the ball came HER way. What I saw made me sit up and focus on what was happening on the court. I watched with intrigue and amazement... as the girl quickly dribbled the ball and all the way down the court, passing friend and foe to take her shot.

Everything seemed to go into slow motion as the ball left her hands. Me and my buddies sat stunned as the ball rolled in...the wrong goal!

She HIT the wrong goal because she was SHOOTING at the WRONG goal!

It seems that many churches are shooting at the wrong goal too.

Many churches focus on how many people are attending or how much money is given, as if those are the ultimate measures of church influence.

Some believe the goal is to please people. As long as the worship service is characterized by smiling faces, an uplifting sermon, soothing music, & nice folks who say, “See you next Sunday!” - that’s a WIN.

Of course many think there is MUCH MORE to The Mission than just that.

In talking with Wade - your dear pastor - a man of grace & truth - I found out that God has been doing a similar work in both our churches.

But we must continue to remind one another what ‘The Mission’ really is.

A few years back I asked our people this question & gave them about 2 minutes to discuss it among themselves.

The question: “What is Missions?”

Years ago I would have answered differently than I do today.

Growing up, I don’t remember my home church sending anyone off on a short-term, overseas mission trip.

I DO remember hearing visiting missionaries tell their stories when they came back to the United States. I DO remember our church being asked to give money to missions & missionaries. So, years ago I would have responded to the question: ‘What is Missions?’ by saying:

Missions is raising money for others to go overseas. Many of us have contributed to send someone else on a short-term mission trip or sponsoring long-term missionaries.

OR Missions is a BIG EVENT where we present the good news of Jesus. Many of us have participated in this way through a revival or a crusade.

When I moved to North Florida I got my first taste of overseas missions. I've been to Haiti 3 times - about to go for my 4th time in a couple of weeks. And once you go overseas, once you see the needs, once you see that our Big God rules all nations it is easy to view…

Missions as an overseas trip. Just curious. How many in this room have been on an overseas missions trip? I hope many more will go in the future.

At some point God broke many of our hearts over starving children and we desired to help see them fed, clothed, nurtured, & schooled. I understand why many would say:

Missions is feeding the hungry. Many of us participate in feeding hungry children through Compassion or World Vision.

Others might say that:

Missions is building something, fixing something, or cleaning something up for someone else. Many of you have hammered nails, cleaned up yards, & fixed broken equipment.

Or someone might respond... Missions is caring for the hurting people right in your town. And we should be grateful for a church that comforts & cares for others in need.

But just as MY understanding of ‘Missions’ has broadened over time, maybe yours has too.

And while all of those CAN BE PART of the mission, Our mission is more than a trip.

God has called us to do more than raise money to send others overseas.

It’s even more than feeding hungry bellies - as worthy as those causes are.

Today I want to remind this precious church of...

The Mission According to Jesus.

And at the end of today’s teaching, I’m going to ask you to take one simple step to remind you of The Mission. That’s what the post-it note is for…be ready.

If anyone knows ‘Missions’ it’s Jesus. He fed the hungry & healed the sick. Jesus traveled around Israel calling people to turn from their sins and trust Him. Yet everywhere Jesus ministered, He had a small group of people tagging along. He was developing disciples to carry on His ministry for generations to come.

They seemed stunned when Jesus voluntarily gave himself over to his enemies. His disciples scattered and Jesus was crucified & buried. But just 3 days later the apostles of Jesus were amazed, claiming He had resurrected from the dead.

And just a few days later those same disciples of Jesus obeyed his command to meet him over 60 miles north in Galilee, their home and the place where Jesus first began His ministry.

Matthew 28:16–17 (ESV) Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw Him they worshiped Him, but some doubted.

Can you imagine the scene? The risen Jesus appears to many of his followers as His 11 apostles bow down and worship Him. Their King, their teacher, their friend... their God with skin - had conquered death. And they bowed in awe of Him.

Many worshiped him, but some doubted.

Who are all THESE doubters? John’s gospel says that Jesus had already appeared twice to his apostles, so it is unlikely THEY were doubting. More likely these are others who gathered with 11 on the mountain - some of whom hesitated to worship the risen Jesus - not sure if it was REALLY Him. Some scholars believe this could be the gathering that Paul refers to when he says that over 500 brothers saw the risen Jesus at one time in 1 Cor. 15:6.

I guessing that those doubts faded away as they once again heard the voice of Truth, the One who had healed the sick and raised the dead.

Matthew 28:18 (NIV) Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”

This was clear confirmation that Jesus was the One written about over 500 hundred years before by Daniel - the One with all authority.

Daniel 7:13–14 (ESV) I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.

[v14] And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.

And now these disciples are listening to their risen Hero, the long-promised King of all peoples, nations, and languages. He is the BIG BOSS, large and in charge...the One who has all authority in heaven and on earth.

And what He says next will be their marching orders, The Mission for generations to come.

PRAY Father, would You help us to see this well-known passage with fresh eyes? Would You help us see the importance of carrying out The Mission in our own generation?

_____________

Although Jesus would appear to the apostles several times before He ascended to heaven, these are some of the final words they will hear from his precious Voice.

Matthew 28:19–20 (ESV) 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.”

I want you to circle the 4 main action verbs in this passage. What are they?

Go, make, baptizing, teaching

What do you think the imperative or MAIN VERB of the passage is?

In other words, WHAT is The Mission Jesus gave His followers?

Most people think GO is the main verb - a call to purposefully take the message of Jesus to others. But that is not the main verb.

'Go...baptize....and teach them to obey' answers HOW we fulfill The Mission.

But my assignment today is NOT to teach HOW to accomplish The Mission. That’s what Pastor Wade is here for.

Instead, God brought me HERE to simply remind you of WHAT The Mission is - According to Jesus. The Mission is more than going, baptizing, or teaching.

To say it another way: The Mission is more than a Trip, more than a Sacred Bath, and more than a Bible Class.

Going, baptizing, and teaching clarify HOW we accomplish The Mission.

So WHAT is the Mission - the MAIN VERB of the passage?

Matthew 28:19–20 (ESV) 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.”

make disciples of all nations

or to put it another way…

The Mission is Developing Disciples Who Develop Disciples

Would you repeat that with me? “The Mission is developing disciples who develop disciples.”

Now LOOK at your neighbor and say ‘THE MISSION is Developing Disciples who develop disciples.’

THIS is The Mission - According to Jesus. A disciple is an imitator of the teacher.

Jesus developed disciples and told them to do the same thing.

WHO is to develop disciples?

Good interpretation means we ask ‘Who is YOU?’ - that is - we ask what it meant for the original audience before we ask what it means for us. Jesus was speaking to 1st century disciples, but is there any reason for us to believe that the command Jesus gave to his first century disciples is still a command for his 21st century disciples? I say there is NO DOUBT!

Let me see if I can prove this to you in a fun way.

As a matter of fact, I want you to break into a group of 5-6 and ask these questions:

“Adam & Eve were commanded to have children. Was this command for them alone? Or Did they pass this command on to their children?” Explain your answer.

Now answer this question:

“The 1st followers of Jesus were commanded to develop disciples.

Was this command for them alone?

OR Did they pass this command on to their disciples?” Explain your answer.

_______________

Did these people pass this command on to the next generation? Of course they did.

If Adam & Eve’s children didn’t obey the command to have children, the human race would have died out.

If the second-generation disciples did not develop disciples then there would be no disciples of Jesus today.

Further, they weren’t just to stick with their own race. If so, then only Jews would be followers of Jesus. Instead, they were told to make disciples of all nations. (back to Matt. 28:19) They were to develop disciples of all ethne (not geography, but ethnicities; not places, but people groups).

Adrian Rogers, a great pastor now in heaven, was about to welcome some black folks who wanted to join his church. He knew racists in the church were discouraging this and he made this statement: "Anytime anyone is turned away from this church because of the color of their skin, you have my resignation."

Aren’t you glad the 1st century disciples developed disciples...of all nations? If they didn’t YOU…WE…would NOT be followers of Jesus today!

I wonder, if WE were the first followers of Jesus - were given this task...if we would impact other ethne (people groups) & future generations to continue developing disciples of Jesus long after our death?

See, the danger is that we could come to church, even give some money, or go on a mission trip...without helping further The Mission…

The Mission is Developing Disciples Who Develop Disciples

When you sign up to follow Jesus, this isn’t an elective, an optional box that you might choose NOT to check. This is THE MISSION - According to Jesus.

Look back at the text of Matt. 28:19-20

Matthew 28:19–20 (ESV) 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.”

We…You & Me…are to make disciples of all nations...

and there is a great promise attached to this command. What is it?

Matthew 28:19–20 (ESV) 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.”

We aren’t in this alone! Jesus promises His PRESENCE for those who carry out His Mission.

This is The Mission for all who follow Jesus. It is THE MISSION of THIS CHURCH and the church I serve in Madison.

So HERE’S the tough question: If Jesus were to return TODAY - would He find those who claim His name to be carrying out THE MISSION?

The Mission is Developing Disciples Who Develop Disciples

Church Nursery

Several years ago I drove to another church building to meet with several pastors. After the meeting I was exploring as I had never seen their building. The Fellowship Hall was new, bright, and clean. the worship center was older, but well kept, and going through some technology upgrades. But as I peered into the nursery was shocked by what I saw. The carpet was 30 years old. The walls were dark. And the toys looked like those that children would quickly give away. If I were visiting that church there is NO WAY I would leave my young children there. That musty, ragged, dark nursery silently screamed, “We AREN’T prepared to take care of your babies.”

Later that week I was really struggling with why Fellowship at not seen anyone surrender to Jesus in several months. Just then my mind drifted back to the nursery I had seen and it hit me: “Why would God bring us baby Christians when we aren’t prepared to take care of them?” Since then I have been convinced that we must get the spiritual nursery ready. And every now and then God blesses us with some of His newly adopted children to take care of & develop.

I pray that God will use today’s teaching FAN the fire & desire to accomplish The Mission.

I want to wind this up with a simple action step and then ask a couple of questions.

One Simple Step

Take this sticky note and write these words:

“Make disciples of all nations...I am with you always.”

Then post this on your mirror to remind you of The Mission, OUR Mission, all week. When you see this, simply pray that God will grow you & use you to develop disciples.

Here’s how some of our folks did this on mirrors:

and in vehicles:

And on their phones…some even put it as a reminder everyday!

Are you accomplishing The Mission?

Are you becoming a disciple who develop disciples?

Some of you are doing just that! You are sharing Jesus with your life and lips. You are investing in others and teaching them to follow Jesus. I know it's tough sometimes, but stay on course and complete the mission. Start in your HOME.

Maybe some of you didn’t know what The Mission was. Maybe you really thought that part was optional. Maybe you thought that was for professional Christians who are on staff at churches.

TELL the story of Mr. Sonny’s impact in my life.

Maybe you simply don’t know how to develop disciples…because no one ever helped developed YOU. Maybe you need to ASK a mature believer to disciple YOU!

Or MAYBE…just maybe, you need to hit your knees and repent of your disobedience. You’ve known The Mission, but you have refused to obey it. Maybe you have given money so OTHERS would accomplish The Mission, but you have been selfish with your own time.

Or maybe you have questions about Jesus. Pastor Wade and many others here would love to make some time for you, because YOU are the mission according to Jesus

PRAY Would you stand with me and pray, God what do you want me to do with what I heard today?

If God is at work, you need to tell someone who can help you.

Turn and say ‘Tell Someone’