Reaching Others for Jesus
Go and make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:19
READ Matthew 28:16–20
A decade ago, they didn’t know the name of
Jesus. Hidden in the mountains of Mindanao in the Philippines, the
Banwaon people had little contact with the outside world. A trip for
supplies could take two days, requiring an arduous hike over rugged
terrain. The world took no notice of them.
Then a mission group reached out, shuttling people in and out of the
region via helicopter. This gained the Banwaon access to needed
supplies, crucial medical help, and an awareness of the larger world. It
also introduced them to Jesus. Now, instead of singing to the spirits,
they chant their traditional tribal songs with new words that praise the
one true God. Mission aviation established the critical link.
When Jesus returned to His heavenly Father, He gave His disciples
these instructions: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”
(Matthew 28:19). That command still stands.
Unreached people groups aren’t limited to exotic locales we haven’t
heard of. Often, they live among us. Reaching the Banwaon people took
creativity and resourcefulness, and it inspires us to find creative ways
to overcome the barriers in our communities. That might include an
“inaccessible” group you haven’t even considered—someone right in your
neighborhood. How might God use you to reach others for Jesus?
By Tim Gustafson |
Who are the hardest-to-reach people in your community? In what ways can you tell them about Jesus?
Father, please use me as You see fit in order that ________ might turn to You in faith.
Read Evangelism: Reaching Out Through Relationships. | | | | |
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Matthew 28:17 says, “When they saw [Jesus],
they worshiped him; but some doubted.” Theologian D.A. Carson comments:
“If the ‘some’ refers not to the Eleven but to other followers, the move
from unbelief and fear to faith and joy was for them a ‘hesitant’ one.”
This seems to suggest that Matthew presents worship and doubt in
contrast to each other. By positioning some as worshiping while others
doubted, Matthew may be suggesting that these two responses are
incompatible, at least in a specific moment. Worship may help rid us of
doubt, and doubt may inhibit our worship. Doubt may plague us from time
to time, but worship can shift our focus.
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