When Jesus came to earth, he came with the intent to rock the world, change lives, transform societies and cultures and create a movement. That kind of impact doesn't happen by accident. It happens with intentionality and He had a very strategic and intentional plan to do it.
How did JESUS do it?
ONE: HE CAME.
Jesus was sent by God, but He came because of love. "For God so loved the World that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Jesus said, "I have come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). He came!
TWO: HE CHOSE OTHERS.
He came, chose three men, then a few more. He taught, trained and took the 12 on a journey that was predestined to impact the ancient world and reach through history to eternally transform lives and shape the Kingdom of God.
THREE: HIS COMPASSION FOR PEOPLE.
Jesus' love for his disciples, compassion for others, and his displays of power and authority captivated their hearts. They put their own lives on the line to follow Him and others were joining them.
FOUR: HE COMMISSIONED THEM FOR MISSION.
He equipped and empowered everyday, common people to do the same. He gave them power and authority and sent them out on Kingdom Mission.
Matthew 16:19
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Luke 10:1-2
“the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” NKJV
Luke 10:17, 19-20
“Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”” NKJV
John 20:21-23
“So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.””
Jesus' charge to the disciples, to the church, to us - is that we, that you, that I would own our Missional Responsibility to Go and make disciples! His intentional plan has always been and still is the church - We are the Church. I am the Church. You are the Church!
Are you equipped and ready? If so, GO! If not, what do you lack that's holding you back from your missional journey?
Don't focus on what you haven't done or what you should've done. Focus on what you need to do starting right now. Intentionally plan and prepare for the Mission ahead!