Mission Work

What is the work of the church? Ultimately, most would describe it as the Great Commission mentioned in Mathew 28:19-20. But “going out in the world” has plenty of challenges. As Jesus said in John 15:20-27, “Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed My teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of My name, for they do not know the One who sent Me... When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about Me. And you also must testify, for you have been with Me from the beginning.” 

The Apostles may not have fully grasped the dangerous mission Jesus was commissioning them to undertake, but no doubt about it, it was dangerous. In fact, the danger is still there. As John said in his Gospel concerning the True Light, “Light is come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of Light because their deeds were evil...” (John 3:19)

One of the dangers might be our attitudes that develop after constant rejection, constant rebellion, and constant abuses among those who claim to be followers. Paul addressed this many times throughout his Epistles. The challenges, therefore, us to maintain godliness even when there’s opposition. Preaching the truth is important, but living the truth is truly impactful. 

This is where, as they say, “The rubber meets the road.” This has always been an issue; from the early history of the Israelite nation who constantly rebelled and had many prophets try to set them straight, all the way to today. A tremendous way to end problems that impact our effectiveness in spreading the Word of God is to follow Jesus’ example. This passage from Philippians 26 is believed to have been an early Christian hymn sung in worship. Meditate on the humility modeled by Jesus and ultimately the impact it had on the world: 

“Who, being in the very name God, 

 did not consider equality with God 

something to be used to His advantage; 

rather, He made Himself nothing 

 by taking the very nature of a servant, 

 being made in human likeness. 

 And being found in appearance as a man, 

He humbled Himself 

by becoming obedient to death— 

Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place 

 and gave Him the name that is above every name, 

that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, 

 in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 

 and every tongue knowledge 

 that Jesus Christ is Lord 

 to the glory of God the Father.” 

This is an upside down way to do mission work in a world that hates the very light that will save them. But thank God, we have been shown the way!