Missions

Heart of Missions

The Extravagance of Grace: A Missionary's Anointing

Bible Passage: Matthew 26:6-13

Summary: In this passage, a woman boldly enters a gathering to anoint Jesus with expensive perfume, signaling a radical devotion that contrasts with the muted responses of others in the room. This act serves as a profound reminder that true worship often defies societal expectations, challenges our comfort zones, and is rooted deeply in the grace we have received from Christ, positioning it as a powerful catalyst for our missions.

Application: This sermon could inspire believers to respond to God's grace with radical acts of love, illustrating how worship can lead to transformative actions in the lives of others. By understanding the cost of grace and love, Christians will be encouraged to boldly engage in missionary work, even when faced with judgment from others.

Teaching: The teaching centers on the idea that our acts of worship should be extravagantly generous, reflecting the grace of God we've

Worship That Moves: Finding Our Mission in Christ's Example

Bible Passage: Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:1-11, John 12:1-8

Summary: These passages recount the poignant act of a woman anointing Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, demonstrating extravagant love and devotion in the face of opposition, emphasizing the importance of worship and its intrinsic connection to missions.

Application: By embracing a heart of worship that flows from our understanding of Christ's love, we are compelled to share that love with others. This sermon can inspire the congregation to see their lives as a mission field, driven by compassion for the lost and a commitment to living out their faith actively.

Teaching: This sermon can teach that true worship is transformative; it inspires us not only to adore God but also to take action in the world around us, reminding us that missions stem from a place of deep love for Christ and His people.

How this passage could point to Christ: In these passages, Christ is highlighted as the recipient of worship who recognizes the woman's act as significant and prophetic. This foreshadows His ultimate sacrifice and underscores that genuine worship leads to action in love and service to others, fulfilling the Great Commission.

Big Idea: When we recognize the depth of Christ’s love and sacrifice, we are motivated to worship in ways that propel us toward compassionate action for the lost, fulfilling our mission as followers of Christ.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the sociopolitical context of first-century Bethany, which can reveal the significance of the woman's act in a culture resistant to such devotion. Look into Logos resources on Jewish practices regarding anointing and their theological implications. Additionally, examine the varying Gospel accounts for nuances that can enhance your understanding of worship in relation to missions.

1. Acts of Extravagant Worship

Matthew 26:6-9

You could begin this sermon point by discussing how the woman’s action of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume was seen as wasteful by the disciples. Perhaps you could emphasize how true acts of worship often challenge societal norms and prioritize devotion over practicality. Link this to the theme of missions, showing how genuine worship can inspire us to ignore worldly considerations in favor of sharing Christ’s love with uncompromised passion, thereby fulfilling our mandate to reach the lost.

2. Eternal Impact of Worship

Matthew 26:10-13

Maybe consider how Jesus' defense of the woman’s actions highlights the eternal significance of worshipful acts. You could suggest that such moments of selfless devotion not only honor Christ but also resonate with His ultimate mission of salvation. Discuss how our worship today carries the mission of Christ forward, connecting it to a call to disciple all nations as an expression of this deep love.

3. Courage in Compassion

Mark 14:1-5

Perhaps you could focus on the opposition the woman faced and how her steadfast devotion serves as a model for us. This sermon point could emphasize that worship inspires courage in missions, motivating us to endure criticism and obstacles for the sake of Christ. Thus, genuine worship is a steadfast commitment to God's Kingdom, propelling believers into compassionate action regardless of adversity.

4. Transforming Worship Into Mission

Mark 14:6-11

You could consider highlighting how Jesus’ recognition of the woman’s act contrasts with Judas’s betrayal. This juxtaposition underscores the transformative power of worship that leads to mission-driven lives. The call here is to contrast selfish ambitions with lives surrendered to God’s purposes, ultimately motivating believers to prioritize Christ’s love in every mission with steadfast dedication.

5. Intimate Worship, Active Mission

John 12:1-3

You could highlight Mary’s intimate act of devotion, suggesting that such closeness in worship invites us into a deeper relationship with Christ. Discuss how this intimacy cultivates a heart attuned to God’s will, naturally flowing out into mission work. As we experience God’s love deeply, perhaps we find ourselves drawn into His redemptive mission, impacting those around us with His love.

6. Aligning Worship with Mission

John 12:4-8

Maybe reflect on Judas’s objection to Mary's act to explore how misguided priorities can hinder our worship and mission. Encourage a focus on genuine worship that aligns our actions with Christ's mission of love and service. Emphasize the call to discard self-serving agendas in favor of wholehearted service, thus reflecting Christ’s love and embodying the Great Commission.

received. It affirms that just as the woman risked her reputation and finances to honor Jesus, we too are called to live in a way that is unapologetically devoted to sharing the love of Christ with the world.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, Jesus' imminent sacrifice highlights the centrality of His grace, demonstrating that worship is a response to His unmerited favor. The woman's act foreshadows how Christ's grace will ultimately bring redemption to many, compelling us to see our mission work as a continuation of this divine grace towards others.

Big Idea: Our extravagant love and worship for Jesus should compel us to boldly participate in His mission, as we reflect the grace bestowed upon us and push against the barriers of societal expectations for the sake of reaching the lost.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, it may be helpful to study the original Greek terms for 'anoint' and 'waste' in the context of this passage to understand the implications of the woman's actions. Using Logos, you might also explore cross-references in the Old Testament where similar acts of devotion occur, building a deeper understanding of the significance of worship and its connection to mission throughout scripture.

1. Courageous Acts of Worship

Matthew 26:6-7

Perhaps you could highlight the significance of the woman's courage as she enters Simon the Leper's house to anoint Jesus. This act of bravery and devotion defies societal expectations, mirroring the boldness required in missions today. By focusing on her willingness to serve Jesus amid potential judgment, you emphasize that true worship and mission work begin with courageous faith.

2. Criticism Versus Christ's Grace

Matthew 26:8-9

You might explore how the disciples' objection to the woman's act of worship underscores the tension between worldly values and divine grace. Their response reminds us that genuine worship may be misinterpreted or criticized. This passage challenges us to remain steadfast in our mission, trusting in God's approval rather than seeking the world's validation.

3. Commendation for Faithful Giving

Matthew 26:10-11

Consider discussing Jesus' defense of the woman's actions. His affirmation elevates her offering as an eternal memorial, suggesting that acts of grace-inspired worship bear everlasting fruit. In our mission work, we are called to offer our best to Jesus, trusting that He values our committed hearts over material calculations or worldly standards.

4. Christ-Centered Mission Initiation

Matthew 26:12-13

You could conclude with the prophetic dimension of the woman's anointing of Jesus, which prefigures His death and burial. This illustrates the eternal perspective we should maintain in our work. Missions springs from Christ's sacrificial love, and our worship should likewise reflect His self-giving. By connecting our missions to Christ's ultimate mission, we participate in God's redemptive plan.

The message on missions and the heart of compassion of Jesus

For Love's Sake: The Missional Heart of the Gospel

Bible Passage: Matthew 26:13

Summary: Matthew 26:13 highlights the significance of honoring Christ and the eternal legacy of acts done in love and worship of Him, illustrating that genuine love drives mission efforts.

Application: This passage can inspire Christians to deepen their compassion for the lost, motivating them to engage in mission work, not out of obligation but from a heart overflowing with love because of Christ's love for us. It reminds us that every act of love and worship points to an eternal purpose.

Teaching: The sermon would teach that the foundation of missions is rooted in worship and love. As we reflect on our own experiences of God’s love, we are compelled to share that love with others, making our mission a natural overflow of our worship.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the grand narrative of Scripture, Christ is the ultimate expression of God’s love, and His sacrifice is the centerpiece of why we engage in missions. We are sent out to share the love of Christ that transforms hearts and lives.

Big Idea: Genuine worship leads to a compassionate response toward the lost, demonstrating that missions exists as a direct result of our love for Christ and His love for humanity.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon in Logos, consider exploring the historical context of Matthew 26:13, particularly focusing on the significance of the woman's act of anointing Jesus. You may also want to delve into parallels in the Gospels regarding worship and mission. Look for commentaries that discuss the theological implications of worship as a driver of compassion for the lost.

1. Sacrifice: The Heart of Worship

Matthew 26:6-9

You could discuss how the woman's sacrificial act of anointing Jesus represents an act of profound worship that costs something. This challenges listeners to consider if their worship comes from a place of deep love and sacrifice. Just as in missions, our actions should flow from a costly love for Christ and His mission. It's not about the size of the sacrifice but the love behind it.

2. Significance: Leaving a Legacy of Love

Matthew 26:10-13

Perhaps focus on Jesus recognizing the woman's act as a preparation for His burial, highlighting how her love-centered act transcends time, leaving an eternal impact. Just as we are called to missions, each act of love and compassion leaves a mark on eternity. Missions lasts because each action shares His love with a world in need. Jesus' commendation of the woman’s act calls us to see the eternal value in every missional endeavor.

emphasizes that our primary motivation for missions should be to glorify God through worship, yet it is also deeply rooted in Christ's compassion for the lost1. Jesus's ministry was focused on seeking and saving the lost, as stated in Luke 19:101. This compassion for those apart from Christ should lead us to develop strategic plans for reaching them, both in our neighborhoods and across nations1. The love of Christ compels us to live not for ourselves, but for Him who died and rose again (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)2. This love we have received from God motivates us to love others, as stated in 1 John 4:19, "We love Him, because He first loved us"2. The reality of Christ's love is demonstrated in His sacrifice for us, and this great love should inspire us to be willing to lay down our lives for one another and help fellow believers in need (1 John 3:16-17)3. Ultimately, while missions is crucial, it is a temporary necessity that exists because worship doesn't yet fully exist everywhere, but worship of God is the ultimate goal that will abide forever4.

1David Horner, When Missions Shapes the Mission: You and Your Church Can Reach the World (Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, 2011), 123.2R. E. Neighbour, Sermons and Bible Studies (WORDsearch, 2000), 168.3Compiled By Barbour Staff, God Calls You His: Daily Devotions for Women (Uhrichsville, OH: Barbour Books, 2022).4John Piper, Let the Nations Be Glad! The Supremacy of God in Missions (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2010), 225–227.

Embracing His Love: Our Call to Missions

Summary: This sermon emphasizes how understanding God’s profound love not only motivates our mission efforts but also equips us for compassionate outreach. It highlights that our response to divine love should transform our hearts and compel us toward the mission field, showing that missions is a natural overflow of experiencing God's grace and mercy.

Application: The message serves to incite a revival of passion among believers for the lost. It encourages the congregation to actively seek ways to express God’s love in their daily lives by reaching out, serving, and sharing the Gospel with those around them. By fostering a heart that mirrors Christ's love, individuals can become agents of change in their communities.

Teaching: This teaching focuses on the transformative power of love in the believer's life. It illustrates that missions is less about strategy and more about a heart deeply touched by God's love, urging congregants to see missions as a lifestyle characterized by active love rather than a task to fulfill.

How this passage could point to Christ: In every aspect of Scripture, God’s love is illustrated through His interactions with humanity, culminating in the life and teachings of Jesus. Christ embodies perfect love, showing us how to engage with the world compassionately, highlighting that missions is fundamentally an expression of sharing that same love with those who do not yet know Him.

Big Idea: True engagement in missions arises out of a heart transformed by God's love, leading us to actively reach out to others with compassion and purpose, rather than as a mere duty to fulfill.

Recommended Study: While preparing, consider using Logos to examine the theological foundations of love in witness and ministry, exploring how love functions within the Great Commission framework. You might find value in studying the Greek terms for love used in the New Testament, as well as historical mission efforts that were driven by profound love for others. Delve into case studies of successful mission strategies grounded in love to glean insights for your congregation's practical engagement.

1. Love: Our Driving Force

1 John 4:7-10

Perhaps you can start by illustrating how true love comes from God, and it is through understanding this divine love that we are moved to love others. Stress that God’s love is not just a feeling but an action, demonstrated through Christ’s sacrifice. We go on missions because His love compels us. Remind the congregation that the measure of love is found in action, not intent, hence, their mission work should mirror this proactive love.

2. Look to the Lost

Matthew 9:35-38

You could emphasize here that Jesus’ compassion for the lost was genuine and expressive, urging his disciples to look upon the crowds with the same empathy. Encourage your audience to emulate Jesus’ vision, seeing the needs and spiritual hunger of those around them. Highlight the need for compassion that moves beyond feeling to action, urging believers to be the laborers the Lord seeks for His harvest through missions.

3. Led by Love’s Control

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Focus on the motivational power of Christ’s love as explained by Paul. Suggest that the love of Christ is like a 'controlling force' that guides and directs our actions toward others. This divine love should compel us toward missional living—actively seeking to share and spread the Gospel message because we are 'convinced' by His death and resurrection. Convict your listeners that missional work is a natural outcome of being controlled by His love.

4. Loving as Light

John 13:34-35

Maybe here, demonstrate how love for one another distinguishes believers in the world. Jesus gives a new commandment tied to missionary identity. Persuade your audience that love is foundational for effective missions—it is by loving others that we authentically preach the Gospel. Discuss how a community marked by genuine love becomes a beacon that draws others to Christ, and through missions, this love extends into the world.

Compelled by Love: The Heart of Missions

Summary: This sermon explores the heart of missions, emphasizing that our drive to share the Gospel springs from deep compassion for the lost, rooted in the love Christ has shown us.

Application: This message encourages believers to reflect on their own experiences of God's love and prompts them to actively pursue opportunities to share this love with others. It acknowledges that many feel inadequate or indifferent, but reminds them that it is God's love that transforms their hearts and drives their mission.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that the foundation of missions lies in the love of God demonstrated through Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are called to echo this love in our outreach and evangelism efforts, reaching out to a world in need of hope and salvation.

How this passage could point to Christ: This theme is woven throughout the entirety of Scripture, from God's initial promise of redemption in Genesis to the Great Commission in Matthew. Jesus exemplifies the ultimate mission of reaching the lost, showing that every believer is called to participate in extending His love and grace to those around them.

Big Idea: The greatest motivation for engaging in missions is our understanding and experience of the love of Christ, compelling us to share that love with a world in desperate need.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider using Logos to explore the biblical foundations of love in missions, examining passages such as John 3:16 and 1 John 4:19. Investigate the historical context of mission work throughout the Scriptures and contemporary missionary movements. Additionally, reflect on practical strategies for cultivating a heart of compassion in your congregation.

1. God's Love Initiates Missions

John 3:16-17

Maybe you could start by exploring how God's love initiated the greatest mission of all: sending His Son to save the world. Highlighting the depth of this sacrificial love can remind your congregation that being loved by God equips and drives us to love others. Emphasize the natural overflow of God's love—He reached out to rescue a broken world, and we are called to participate in His mission by sharing this transformative love with others.

2. Compelled by His Love

1 John 4:19-20

Perhaps highlight how our calling to love is rooted in God's prior action. We love because we first experienced God's love. This experience should motivate believers to reflect that love outward. Touch upon the necessity of recognizing our own brokenness and how empathy born out of humility becomes a powerful tool for reaching the lost. Encourage the congregation to see missions as a response, not as an obligation but a joyful participation in God's redemptive work.

3. Commissioned to Love

Matthew 28:18-20

You could discuss how the Great Commission is a natural extension of Jesus' love for humanity. His command carries authority, and His presence provides assurance and support. Use these verses to inspire confidence in active mission work, assuring your congregation that Christ's presence aids them in fulfilling His mandate. Reinforce that our mission is neither solo nor aimless; it is Jesus Himself who guides and empowers us as we go out into the world.

4. Compelled by Christ's Love

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Maybe highlight how the apostle Paul viewed Christ's love as the driving force behind his ministry. Explore how Christ's love 'compels' us, providing both motivation and direction for mission work. Encourage your congregation to view their daily lives as platforms for spreading the Gospel, motivating them to move beyond fear or hesitation and live devotedly for the One who died for all. Urge a shift in perspective: from obligation to love-driven purpose in Christ.

The Love That Sends: Understanding Our Mission

Summary: This sermon delves into the idea that missions arise out of a heartfelt response to the demonstrated love of Christ. It examines how every believer is called to reflect this love, leading to a proactive desire to reach those who are lost, illustrating how our love for God invigorates our mission to the world.

Application: This message serves to awaken a sense of urgency and responsibility among believers. It encourages individuals to seek personal connections with those around them who don’t know Christ, and to see their everyday interactions as opportunities for sharing God's love. By understanding the love of Christ, they can be empowered to reach out and serve others with compassion and responsiveness.

Teaching: The teaching emphasizes that witnessing and missions are not merely functions of the church but rather an integral aspect of our relationship with Christ. When we fully acknowledge and embrace the depth of Christ's love for us, we become emboldened and motivated to love others in a similar way. This changes our perspective on what it means to engage in missions.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout Scripture, Christ's love is the central theme that reveals God’s character and purpose. From the prophetic writings to the gospel accounts, each instance of God's outreach to humanity through Jesus underscores our mission. Jesus' sacrificial love compels His followers to continue His work in the world, reminding us that missions are an extension of Christ’s ongoing redemptive plan.

Big Idea: Our experience of Christ’s love is not only a gift to be received but a driving force that compels us to actively seek out and love others. This love transformatively reshapes our mission perspective from a passive tradition to an active, engaging love for the lost.

Recommended Study: Consider using Logos to explore comprehensive studies on the biblical foundation of love as a mission-driving force. Investigate how various biblical authors emphasize love in the context of missions, and pay attention to covenantal themes that reflect God’s commitment to humanity. Reflect on how historical mission movements have been influenced by a deep comprehension of Christ's love and how they can inform modern missions.

1. Mandate of Love

Matthew 28:16-20

Perhaps, consider how the Great Commission stems from Christ's authoritative call to action, urging followers to spread His teachings out of love and obedience. This passage illustrates the connection between worship on a mountain and the sending forth into the world. You could highlight that Jesus’ authority and presence give Christians confidence to love and disciple others. The love that starts from Jesus empowers and guides mission work, ensuring it’s led not by obligation, but by love.

2. Model of Friendship

John 15:12-17

You could focus on the necessity of abiding in Christ’s love as the foundation for our mission. Jesus commands love as He loves, which involves active engagement and choosing to lay down our lives for friends. This point showcases how knowing and experiencing Christ’s love precedes our mission, showing that effective ministry is birthed from a personal understanding of God’s love. Encouraging believers to remain in this love assures them of purpose and fruitfulness.

3. Mission of Reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:14-21

Perhaps, explain how Christ's sacrificial love compels believers to a ministry of reconciliation. Paul demonstrates that this love is a driving force, transforming old selves into ambassadors for Christ. The love of Christ reshapes identity and purpose, urging a mission that reflects God’s reconciling work. Instruct the congregation to view themselves as new creations entrusted with divine message delivery, emphasizing love’s transformative power in expanding God’s kingdom.

4. Mercy for the Messy

Romans 5:8-11

Maybe highlight that God’s love shown through Jesus' sacrifice is foundational for evangelism endeavors. His love while we were sinners shows the depth and initiative of divine compassion, challenging believers to likewise reach out to the lost. Encourage the audience to mirror this preemptive love in their mission, making it personal and proactive. The sermon can stress that in demonstrating such love, others can experience the transformative salvation available in Christ.