CHRIST IN MISSIONS

A MAN FOR ALL PEOPLES

In His earthly ministry Jesus demonstrated he was a man for all peoples. In His teachings and actions He clearly sets forth the idea of salvation through faith for all men.  In the Gospels, He is a man with a message for every one. Now He calls His church to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to all people.”

I.  Jesus the Missionary Messiah

A.   The first announcement by angels about Christ contained a missionary message!  Luke 2:10

B.   Jesus was first tempted with all the kingdoms of the world as He entered into ministry.  Mat 4:8

C.  His own words and the words of others testify to His missionary mission for the world. ‘World’ (Kosmos) means the sum total of the material universe as well as the total of persons living.

•  John 1:9 "The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world."
•  John 1:29 "…the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
•  John 8:12 "…I am the light of the world"

II.         Jesus, a man for all people

A.        To the Jew first.  Rom 1:16 We work in our own culture as we prepare to reach out. Rom 2:10

• Jesus had an abiding conviction of mission to the Jewish nation.
• His instruction to the 12 the first time he gave them a preaching assignment. Mat 10:5‑6
• Jewish people were specially prepared to receive and understand the message of sacrifice and salvation.  

Their culture and religious background gave them a strong base to build from for world evangelism. They were a key to reaching the rest of the world!

                        B.         To the Gentiles before the cross! (Missions did not start AFTER the cross. Always the  purpose!)

1.  Jesus based his ministry in Capernaum - a Gentile base, not a Jewish area.

                                        a.   Mat 4:12‑13

                                        b.   Mat 4:23‑24 "Jesus went throughout Galilee…"

2.         The sending out of the 70 Lk 10:1, 17 was preparation for where Jesus was going!

a.    The 70 symbolized the Gentile nations.

                                        b.   In Gen 10 there are 70 tribes. Jewish tradition spoke of 70 Gentile people.

3.  The Roman Centurion Matt 8:5-13

                                       a.  Jesus went into a Gentile house breaking Levitical law. The centurion himself said                                                   “I am not worthy” or “I am only a Gentile.” Vs 8

                                       b.  The centurion had faith that was greater than any found in Israel.  Vs 10 God looks                                                    for faith, not culture, skin color, race!

                                        c. Jesus gave a wonderful prophecy concerning the Gentile believers who will come 

                                           into   the kingdom.  Mat 8:10-11  

                                       d.  2,000 years of history have shown this prophecy to be true.

 C.         Samaritan woman and her village.  John 4

•  There was hostility between Jews and Samaritans. Jews did not consider them full blooded.
•  Luke 9:51-56 The Samaritans refused to welcome Jesus.  James and John are enraged and want to destroy the place. Jesus rebukes them and identifies Himself as a Savior for Samaritans.
•  I “must” pass through Samaria. (Vs 4) WHY? The [1] destiny of the people and [2] leading of the Spirit.
• “Jews” normally had no dealings with the Samaritans.  Vs 9
• Jesus ministered to the Samaritan woman. This was unheard of because (1) she was a woman, (2) she was a sinful woman (3) she was a member of a hated race!
•  When the disciples questioned Him, Jesus used the events as a bridge to the “harvest” and doing the will of God. John 4:34-35 What work? The work of the harvest! Jesus was showing them these Samaritans were a ripened field for a harvest of souls!
•  Vs 38  Jesus made it clear that the problem is with the laborers, NOT the harvest!!
• The harvest is in the context of Samaritans coming out to Him from the city. Vs 40
•   He stays with the Samaritans 3 more days and many more believe. Vs 40-42
•   Jesus sent out the 70 immediately after this event! Time to reap the Gentile harvest.

D.        Greeks at Jerusalem.  John 12:31-32

1.  The effect of the crucifixion would be 

•  judgment on Satan - he would lose his position as ‘prince of this world, (
•  all people being drawn to God
• Another warning of the Great Commission - NOW IS THE TIME!!!

III.       Missions After the Resurrection

A.      The cross and resurrection are the foundation for world missions and the signal to begin.

B.   The risen and exalted Lord is a messenger to all people. I am leaving, so you must get going!

C.   The first commandment of the risen Lord was very missionary in nature.  John 20:21 The word  

                   ‘missionary’ is not in the Bible! We are all ‘sent ones.’

D.   The last command of the risen Lord was also very missionary in nature.  Acts 1:

•   Christ promise of the Holy Spirit was connected with worldwide focus. (Joel 2 - Spirit on all peoples). The PURPOSE of Holy Spirit Power is WITNESS to the ends of the earth!
• The book of Acts is a history of how the disciples began to fulfill the commission.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Ps. Jithro Alesna 
International Teams Philippines
Blogger-Impart Digital World

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