Mission: Good News to All

Mission: Good News to All

{Isaiah 55:1-6/ Acts 10:34-43/ Psalm 146/ Matthew 4:17-25}

It is a global fact that Christians are known for their mission work. Mission and Evangelism is of significant importance in the lives of Christians. It all began with Christ who proclaimed the Good news of the Kingdom of God, after which it was proclaimed by his disciples and till date, we do the mission work because we often say that “Jesus Christ has entrusted to us the great commission of doing mission world in the world”. It was because of Mission work, Christianity has spread across the world. In our Indian context, many missionaries and mission societies came and did Mission work, the labor of their fruit is that “You and I” have become Christians. Hence Christians are always associated with Mission work.

In the present Indian context, as we encounter various situations which have rose to persecute Christians who are doing Mission work. The word Missionary has now become similar to the word Terrorist. Christians, Churches, Missionaries are under constant attack because of the fact that “We Convert People”. In such a context, what should be done? What has went wrong with our Mission, Mission Statements, and Vision? Does our Great Commission need to be revisited? Does our approach to other people and religions need a change? These are some pertinent issues which needs analysis when we approach the topic “Mission” in today’s context. Today our pursuit will be on the question “What is the mission to which Christ has invited us?”

Firstly, Christ has invited us to do “A Mission of Love” (Read John 13:35). Christ says to his disciples that it is important for you to show “Love”. Love is the thread on which God, Christ, teachings of Christ and also the Cross event strongly rests. God’s love is showcased when God sent Jesus in to the world (John 3:16). Christ’s love is showcased when Christ gives the two commandments of love (Love God & Neighbor – Matthew 22:37-39). Christ’s teaching (on Mount, Matthew 5:44) suggests to love enemies too. The pinnacle of love is shown on the event of Cross. All these show us that God sends Christ to Love and in turn Christ sends us to a Mission of Love.

Secondly, Christ has invited us to do “A Mission of Life” (Read John 10:10). Christ came to give life and life in its fullness. Whenever we speak of life and bible, we always connect it to eternal life. It is not wrong to do like that, but Christ’s motive was not just to give life eternal, but also in the immediate now. Christ offers Life not only in the future but in the immediate present. The life which Christ intends to give on this earth is a wholistic life (i.e. Physical, emotional, social, economical, political and spiritual) and at the same time, Christ intends to give us “A Liberated Life” (Read Luke 4:18, 19). Exodus narrative was a life giving event in the immediate present, that’s the mission to which Christ has called us to.

Thirdly, Christ has invited us to do “A Mission of Reconciliation” (Read John 20:23/ 2 Corinthians 5:18). The call of Christ for mission is not just to forgive people those who persecute us, but also to reconcile with them. This reconciliation was so much in need when Adam and Eve sinned against God and hence the break in relationships between God-Human-Nature occurred. Even Christ says (Matthew 5:23, 24) that before reconciliation don’t come near the altar of the Lord. This clearly shows us that the mission that we do should never harm or hurt others or their feelings. It should transcend conversion motif and should take us on the path of reconciliation, love and life.

Christ’s mission in this world was good news for all, because it gave love, it gave life and also it enabled reconciliation. Though we may argue that Christ gave the great commission, but the same Christ has said so many other things (Sermon on Mount) to follow, let us evaluate the socio-cultural settings before we do mission work, and at the same time, Let us also remember what Apostle Paul said about Mission work when he wrote to the Corinthian Church. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I Planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth”. It is important that we only sow the seeds and water it. If that is done with love, life and reconciliation motif, God will give us the growth. Amen.