Called to Witness: Sharing Jesus' Compassion and Kingdom
Summary
Today’s focus is on the heart of Jesus’ ministry and the call to be witnesses in the world. Tracing the journey of Jesus through Galilee, Judea, and beyond, we see how he intentionally moved among the people, teaching, healing, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The kingdom Jesus spoke of was not the political or earthly reign that many of his contemporaries expected, but a spiritual kingdom—God’s rule in the hearts of those who would receive him. Jesus’ compassion for the crowds, described as sheep without a shepherd, reveals his deep concern for the lost and his desire to bring them under God’s loving care.
Jesus did not intend to be the sole messenger. He called and empowered ordinary people—fishermen, tax collectors, zealots—to be his witnesses. These disciples were sent first to the lost sheep of Israel, proclaiming that the kingdom of heaven was at hand, performing signs, and relying on God’s provision and the hospitality of others. Their mission was not to argue or convince as lawyers, but to testify as witnesses—to simply share what they had seen, heard, and experienced of Jesus.
The call to be a witness is not reserved for those with perfect understanding or theological expertise. Even the disciples, who were still growing in their knowledge of Jesus, were sent out to share what they knew. The power and authority to witness comes from Jesus himself, not from our own strength or wisdom. The story of John the Baptist, who remained faithful even unto death, stands as a powerful example of boldness and integrity in proclaiming God’s truth, regardless of the cost.
God’s method has always been to use ordinary people to spread his extraordinary message. We are called to pray for more laborers, to step into the mission field—whether at home or abroad—and to trust that God will provide what we need. Our testimony is simply to declare what Jesus has done for us. No skeptic can refute a changed life. Let us be bold, faithful, and compassionate witnesses, trusting that God will use our simple obedience to bring in his harvest.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus’ compassion for the lost is the foundation of all mission. He saw the crowds as sheep without a shepherd, moved not by their potential usefulness but by their deep need for guidance and care. True mission begins when we see people as Jesus sees them, allowing compassion to move us beyond indifference into action. [09:22]
- The kingdom of God is not about earthly power or political deliverance, but about God’s reign in the hearts of people. Jesus’ message was “the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” inviting all to submit to God’s rule and experience transformation from within. This challenges us to examine where we are seeking security and hope—are we looking for external change, or are we allowing God to rule in our hearts? [12:05]
- God chooses to use ordinary, imperfect people as his witnesses. The disciples were a diverse and flawed group, yet Jesus entrusted them with his message and empowered them for the task. Our qualifications are not found in our abilities, but in our willingness to obey and rely on the authority and power Jesus gives. [19:15]
- The call to witness is not about having all the answers, but about sharing what we have experienced of Jesus. Like the blind man who simply said, “I was blind, now I see,” our testimony is powerful because it is personal and authentic. We are not called to be lawyers arguing a case, but witnesses telling the truth of what Jesus has done in our lives. [34:43]
- Faithfulness in witness may come at a cost, as seen in the life of John the Baptist. He spoke truth boldly, even when it led to imprisonment and death. True faithfulness is not measured by outward success or safety, but by steadfastness to God’s calling, trusting that he will provide the strength and words we need, even in the face of opposition. [40:42]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction & Holy Land Missions
[01:32] - Pi Day, Tau, and God’s Love
[03:44] - Transition to Jesus’ Ministry
[04:32] - Early Events in Jesus’ Ministry
[07:55] - Return to Galilee and the Gatherings
[08:42] - Prayer and Reading Matthew 9
[09:22] - Jesus’ Compassion and the Harvest
[13:00] - The Message and Miraculous Signs
[15:09] - Vision, Compassion, and Mission
[16:38] - Sending the Twelve Disciples
[19:15] - Ordinary People, Extraordinary Mission
[22:48] - The Priority of Israel and the Message
[26:41] - Instructions for the Journey
[29:16] - Shaking the Dust: Rejection and Judgment
[31:13] - The Disciples’ Obedience and Our Witness
[34:43] - Witnessing: Testimony Over Argument
[35:29] - John the Baptist: Faithful Messenger
[40:42] - The Cost of Faithfulness
[45:10] - Signs, Assurance, and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Heart of Jesus’ Ministry and Our Call to Be Witnesses
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### Bible Reading
Matthew 9:35–38 (ESV)
> And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Matthew 10:1–15 (ESV)
> And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. ... (Read through verse 15 for the full context of Jesus sending out the twelve.)
Mark 6:12–20 (ESV)
> So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them. ... (Read through verse 20 for the account of John the Baptist’s faithfulness.)
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 9:36, how did Jesus feel when he saw the crowds, and what did he compare them to?
[[09:22]]
2. What specific instructions did Jesus give his disciples when he sent them out in Matthew 10:5–10?
[[17:19]]
3. In Mark 6:12–13, what actions did the disciples take after being sent out by Jesus?
[[31:13]]
4. What was John the Baptist’s response to Herod’s sin, and what was the consequence for John?
[[40:00]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus was moved with compassion for the crowds, and what does this reveal about his priorities in ministry?
[[09:22]]
2. Jesus sent out ordinary people—fishermen, tax collectors, and even a zealot. What does this suggest about who God chooses to use for his mission?
[[19:15]]
3. The disciples were told not to bring extra supplies or money on their journey (Matthew 10:9–10). What might Jesus have been teaching them about dependence and trust?
[[26:41]]
4. John the Baptist spoke the truth boldly, even when it led to his imprisonment and death. What does his example teach about the cost and nature of faithfulness in witnessing?
[[40:42]]
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### Application Questions
1. Jesus saw the crowds as “sheep without a shepherd” and was moved to compassion. When you look at people around you—at work, in your neighborhood, or even in your family—do you see them as Jesus does? What would it look like to let compassion move you to action this week?
[[09:22]]
2. The kingdom Jesus proclaimed was not about earthly power but about God’s reign in our hearts. Are there areas in your life where you are seeking security or hope in external things rather than letting God rule in your heart? What is one step you can take to surrender that area to God?
[[12:05]]
3. Jesus chose and empowered ordinary, imperfect people to be his witnesses. Do you ever feel unqualified to share your faith? What holds you back, and how can you rely more on Jesus’ authority and power rather than your own abilities?
[[19:15]]
4. The disciples were sent out to simply share what they had seen and experienced, not to argue or have all the answers. Is there a story from your own life that you could share with someone this week about what Jesus has done for you? Who might need to hear it?
[[34:43]]
5. John the Baptist remained faithful even when it cost him his freedom and his life. Are there situations where you feel pressure to stay silent about your faith? What would it look like to be faithful and bold in those moments, trusting God with the outcome?
[[40:42]]
6. Jesus told his disciples to pray for more laborers for the harvest. How often do you pray for God to send workers into his mission field? Would you be willing to pray for opportunities to be sent yourself, even in small ways?
[[15:09]]
7. The sermon mentioned that “no skeptic can refute a changed life.” In what ways has your life changed because of Jesus? How can you let that transformation be visible to others this week?
[[43:53]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to give your group compassion for the lost, boldness to share your stories, and faithfulness to trust him with the results. Pray for opportunities to be witnesses in your daily lives.
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