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Remember the Mission
I don't know about you, but for me, it's so easy to become distracted. All too often, I get stuck in the smaller battles of day-to-day living and easily lose sight of the big picture. Does this ever happen to you? I’m not suggesting that the small things don’t matter. Yes, we have to take out the garbage and wash the dishes. But we have been invited into a life that’s more than all that. We have been invited to enter a larger story. Here are some thoughts on that, along with some questions, quotes, and scriptures for your personal reflection and small group discussion.
First off, what is the mission of Jesus Christ? What is he about? For what reason did he come? This may sound too basic, but go ahead...try summarizing, in your own words, the mission of Jesus Christ.
Consider these passages of Scripture.
Use the questions below for further reflection and discussion.
First off, what is the mission of Jesus Christ? What is he about? For what reason did he come? This may sound too basic, but go ahead...try summarizing, in your own words, the mission of Jesus Christ.
Consider these passages of Scripture.
Use the questions below for further reflection and discussion.
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets;
I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
(Matthew 5.17 / In Context: Matthew 5.17-20)
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth.
I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
(Matthew 10.34 / In Context: Matthew 10.26-39)
”The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
(Luke 4.18-19 / In Context: Luke 4.14-21)
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
(Colossians 1.13-14 / In Context: Colossians 1.9-23)
I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
(Matthew 5.17 / In Context: Matthew 5.17-
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth.
I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
(Matthew 10.34 / In Context: Matthew 10.26-
”The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
(Luke 4.18-
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
(Colossians 1.13-
Further Questions for Reflection:
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As you read these passages, what things seem to be on the heart of God?
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How could you incorporate some of these things into your life?
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What are some of the smaller battles that take you out?
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What is the purpose of your life? What unique role do you have in the mission of Christ?
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How will you remember the mission more this week?
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"When we have new eyes, we can look into the eyes of those we don't even like and see the One we love. We can see God's image in everyone we encounter. As Henri Nouwen puts it, 'In the face of the oppressed I recognize my own face, and in the hands of the oppressor I recognize my own hands. Their flesh is my flesh, their blood is my blood, their pain is my pain, their smile is my smile.' We are made of the same dust. We cry the same tears. No one is beyond redemption. And we are free to imagine a revolution that sets both the oppressed and the oppressors free." -
Lord Jesus, thank you for inviting us up into the amazing story that you have been writing from before the beginning of time. I long to find my place in this story and to live with greater passion, clarity, and strength. Thank you for fulfilling the law, for dying in my place, and for giving me a new heart. Help me not get lost in the smaller battles of life so much that I forget what you are all about. Help me love others and fight for their hearts. Amen.
This conversation was originally included in the February 5, 2008 WalkDeep Newsletter.
Here’s a great book describing the gospel as story.
Also check out a prayer from Colossians 1 by clicking here.
Also check out a prayer from Colossians 1 by clicking here.
