Jesus chose twelve men to be the original gospel task force. Twelve disciples who traveled with Him for three years, watched Him minister to crowds, and listened to Him teach, all the while learning about God's heart toward people. Because after Jesus ascended to heaven, those twelve men would be charge with His mission: to tell the world the good news that relationship with God can be restored. That heaven awaits the followers of Jesus. That anyone who believes Jesus is God's Son will be saved. And that following Jesus means loving God and people the way He did: the lepers who were social outcasts; the blind and lame who were societal burdens; the women and servants who were marginalized and disenfranchised; the children who were vulnerable and overlooked; the well to-do who were hopelessly self-sufficient; the prodigals, the broken, and the bent. They all shared the same need--their total inability to rescue themselves.

Jesus came to seek and save the lost.

The disciples underwent a massive recalibration. Everything they thought they knew about how to live turned upside down. The new kingdom order would be to put others first, to love when people hate, to pray for those who persecute, to lead by serving, to give when it costs, to trust in God's provision no matter how glaring the lack, and to die in order to live. Jesus changed everything, and sharing His love, life, and purpose with all people, including the least of these--especially the least of these--became the disciples' sole mission.

More than two thousand years later, the mission remains. Christ followers are still building the kingdom of God, and we can partake in the process; we are, in fact, called to it. We still must rescue and lead people to the one who made them, loves them, can heal them and restore them. There is a war being waged--darkness verses light--and to participate in God's sure victory, we must be fearless in our self-denial and bold in telling the truth. We must be tenacious in our faith that God will be faithful to HIs word and His work. We must love those He loves, serve those He serves, and refuse to relent in doing the good Jesus did. And all for His sake because He loves us, because He rescued us, and because we love Him back. And until He returns, the mission will remain.

Cue the cool music and slow-motion walk. God's chosen are on the move.



PRAYER FOCUS

Thank God for His Son, thank Him for not only sending Jesus to die but also showing you how to live, and ask Him for the courage to live out what you're learning about Him.

MOVING FORWARD

• Jesus takes what you do and don't do for others personally. What does that mean to you? How does it motivate you?
• Who comes to mind when you read Matthew 25:35-40? What is the Holy Spirit leading you to do?
• Our mission is clear, but we're easily distracted. What in your life, your relationships, your priorities, your perspective need to change in order for you to be more active in Christ's mission?