Embodying Christ's Love: Our Call to Reach Out

Devotional

Day 1: The Great Commission—Our Mission to Reach All People

Jesus calls every believer to go and make disciples of all nations, not limiting His command to any particular group, background, or history. This mission is not just for a select few, but for all who follow Him, and it includes reaching out to those we find difficult to love, even our enemies or those who have wronged us. The scope of Christ’s love is boundless, and He entrusts us with the privilege and responsibility of introducing others to Him, wherever we are and whoever we encounter. As you consider your daily life, remember that there is not a single person in this world that Jesus does not want you to reach. [49:28]

Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV)
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Reflection: Who in your life—whether friend, family, or even someone you struggle to love—might God be calling you to reach out to this week with the love and message of Jesus?

Day 2: Ambassadors for Christ—Representing Jesus First

As followers of Jesus, our primary identity is as His ambassadors, representing Him above all else in every situation and relationship. This means that in our workplaces, communities, and even within our families, we are called to act and speak as His representatives, showing His character and love to the world. Our words, actions, and even our responses to conflict or criticism are opportunities to reflect Christ, not ourselves or any other allegiance. This is a sobering and humbling responsibility, but it is also a profound privilege to carry His name wherever we go. [56:37]

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (ESV)
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Reflection: In what specific situation this week can you intentionally choose to represent Jesus first—above your own interests, your workplace, or even your national identity?

Day 3: Start Where You Are—Your Calling Meets the World’s Need

God has uniquely crafted each of us with specific experiences, passions, and gifts, placing us in particular spaces and relationships for a reason. The call to “go” is not always about traveling far away, but about being faithful and intentional right where you are—at your dinner table, in your workplace, at your school, or in your neighborhood. Your story, your struggles, and your joys are all part of how God wants to use you to meet the world’s hunger with the hope of Christ. Ask yourself where your deep gladness and the world’s need intersect, and begin to shine His light in those places. [01:04:58]

Romans 8:22 (ESV)
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.

Reflection: What unique experience, passion, or skill has God given you that you can use this week to connect with someone who needs to see or hear the love of Christ?

Day 4: Overcoming Hesitation—God Uses Ordinary, Hesitant People

Even the first disciples, entrusted with the most important message in history, experienced hesitation and uncertainty as they faced their calling. The Greek word “distazo” describes this feeling—not outright disbelief, but the hesitation that comes with stepping into something new and daunting. God does not require us to have it all together; He simply asks us to take the next step in faith, trusting that He is with us. When you feel inadequate or unsure, remember that you are in good company, and that Christ’s presence goes with you as you obey. [01:09:51]

Matthew 28:16-17, 20 (ESV)
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. … And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Reflection: What is one area where you feel hesitant or unqualified to share your faith, and how can you take a small step forward this week, trusting that Jesus is with you?

Day 5: Don’t Just Sing Louder—Take One Step of Obedience

It is easy to become overwhelmed by the darkness and brokenness in the world and to retreat into comfort or silence, convincing ourselves that our actions won’t make a difference. But Jesus has given us a mission and the authority to carry it out, and He would not call us to something He does not intend to use for His glory. Rather than staying silent or distant, we are called to take one step—however small—toward reaching out, building relationships, and showing Christ’s love in practical ways. Don’t let fear or the enormity of the task keep you from obedience; start with one act of love or one gospel-centered conversation this week. [01:11:41]

James 1:22 (ESV)
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Reflection: What is one concrete action you can take this week—such as inviting a neighbor for dinner or starting a meaningful conversation—that will move you from comfort to obedience in reaching others for Christ?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the second of our core values: Reach. In a world that feels increasingly dark, divided, and hostile, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or even paralyzed by the brokenness around us. Recent events, like the tragic loss of Charlie Kirk, remind us just how deep the pain and anger in our culture run. Yet, these moments don’t change our calling as followers of Jesus—they confirm it. We are not here to simply observe the world’s pain or to retreat into comfort. We are called to embody Christ’s love and actively reach out, even when it’s hard, even when it feels like our efforts are small in the face of so much need.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 28 are clear: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” This is not a call reserved for a select few, nor is it limited by geography, background, or even our own comfort zones. The command is for all of us, to all people, everywhere. We are ambassadors for Christ, representing Him first and foremost in every sphere of our lives—at work, at home, in our neighborhoods, and even among those we find hardest to love. Our mission is not just to become more like Jesus ourselves, but to introduce others to Him, trusting that He desires to reach every single person.

It’s natural to feel hesitation, to wonder if our small acts of obedience can make a difference. The first disciples felt the same uncertainty, yet Jesus promised His presence: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” We are not alone in this mission. God has uniquely shaped each of us—through our experiences, passions, and even our struggles—to reach specific people in specific places. Our calling is to start where we are, using what God has given us, and to take one step of obedience at a time.

Let’s not be a people who “sing louder” to drown out the cries of a hurting world. Instead, let’s step out, trusting that Christ goes with us, and that He will use our faithfulness to bring hope and transformation to those around us.

Key Takeaways

1. Obedience Over Comfort: The call to reach others with the gospel is not about having the perfect strategy or waiting for ideal circumstances. It’s about simple, sometimes difficult obedience—choosing to act on what Jesus has commanded, even when it’s uncomfortable or costly. True faith is not just hearing God’s word, but doing it, especially when the world’s darkness tempts us to retreat. [41:35]
2. Ambassadors in Every Sphere: As followers of Jesus, our primary identity is as His ambassadors. This means that in every interaction—whether at work, at home, or in public—we represent Christ before we represent any other allegiance. This is a sobering and empowering reality: our words, actions, and attitudes are meant to reflect Jesus to a watching world, even when it’s countercultural or misunderstood. [56:37]
3. Start Where You Are: The Great Commission’s “Go” is best understood as “as you are going.” We don’t need to wait for a special calling to a distant place; our mission field begins at our dinner tables, in our workplaces, and among our neighbors. God has uniquely equipped each of us with experiences, passions, and relationships that position us to reach people right where we are. [64:58]
4. God Uses Our Weakness and Doubt: The first disciples hesitated and doubted, yet Jesus entrusted them with His mission. Our own uncertainty or sense of inadequacy does not disqualify us; in fact, it’s often in our weakness that God’s strength is most evident. Christ’s promise to be with us means we never step out alone—He meets us in our obedience and empowers us to do what we cannot do on our own. [69:51]
5. Don’t Drown Out the World’s Need: It’s tempting to “sing louder”—to distract ourselves from the pain and lostness around us. But we are called to face the world’s need with open eyes and compassionate hearts, refusing to distance ourselves or remain silent. Our small acts of faithfulness—one conversation, one act of kindness, one invitation—can be the means by which God brings hope and salvation to those who need it most. [61:06]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction to Vision Series
[02:10] - Reading Matthew 28:16-20
[04:00] - The Challenge of Obedience
[07:30] - Responding to Tragedy in Our Culture
[12:00] - Wrestling Against Darkness, Not People
[16:30] - The World’s Brokenness and Our Calling
[20:00] - The Foundation of Christ’s Love
[24:00] - The Scope of the Great Commission
[28:00] - Ambassadors for Christ: Our True Identity
[32:00] - The Temptation to Stay Silent
[36:00] - The Danger of “Singing Louder”
[41:00] - Where Do We Start? “As You Go”
[45:00] - God’s Unique Calling for Each of Us
[49:00] - Hesitation and Christ’s Presence
[53:00] - One Step of Obedience
[56:00] - Closing Prayer and Sending

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV) — Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Observation Questions

According to Matthew 28:16-20, what specific instructions does Jesus give to his disciples before he leaves them?
The sermon mentioned that some of the disciples “doubted” even as they worshiped Jesus. What word did the pastor use to describe this kind of doubt, and what does it mean? ([01:09:08])
In the sermon, what examples were given of the kinds of people Jesus calls us to reach? ([49:28])
What does Jesus promise his followers at the end of the Great Commission? Why is this significant? ([01:10:49])

Interpretation Questions

The pastor said that the command to “Go” in Matthew 28 is better understood as “as you are going.” How does this change the way we think about reaching others? ([01:03:39])
The sermon described Christians as “ambassadors for Christ.” What does it mean to represent Jesus first in every area of life, even above other identities or allegiances? ([56:37])
The disciples hesitated and doubted, yet Jesus still gave them the Great Commission. What does this tell us about how God views our weaknesses and uncertainties? ([01:09:51])
The pastor shared a story about Christians “singing louder” to drown out the cries of those in need. What is the danger of ignoring the pain and brokenness around us? ([01:01:06])

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us not to wait for perfect circumstances or a special calling, but to start reaching out “as we go.” Where in your daily life (work, home, neighborhood, hobbies) do you see opportunities to reach someone for Christ? What is one small step you could take this week? ([01:03:39])
The pastor said that God has uniquely shaped each of us through our experiences, passions, and even struggles to reach specific people. What is one part of your story or one interest you have that God might use to connect with someone who doesn’t know Jesus? ([01:04:58])
When you think about sharing your faith or showing Christ’s love, what kinds of hesitation or doubts come up for you? How does Jesus’ promise to be with you “always” encourage or challenge you? ([01:09:51])
The sermon warned against “singing louder” to avoid facing the world’s pain. Are there ways you tend to distract yourself or avoid engaging with the needs around you? What would it look like to face those needs with open eyes and a compassionate heart this week? ([01:01:06])
The pastor shared that our mission field starts at our dinner tables and among our neighbors. Who is one person in your life right now who might need hope, encouragement, or an invitation to know Jesus? What is one practical thing you can do for them this week? ([01:03:39])
The sermon emphasized “obedience over comfort.” Is there an area where you feel God nudging you to step out of your comfort zone for the sake of the gospel? What’s holding you back, and what would it look like to take one step of obedience? ([41:35])
The pastor encouraged us to take just “one step” this week—one conversation, one act of kindness, one invitation. What is your “one step” going to be, and how can the group pray for you as you take it? ([01:11:41])

Sermon Clips

See, I don't think the events of this week change our calling as Christians as much as they do confirm them. They don't. This world that we live in right now is broken. It's savage. It's hurting. And it's not just Charlie Kirk. We have school shootings. We have innocents being killed on trains. We have innocents being killed across the Middle East in Israel and in Gaza. We have a political divide in our country that's bordering on a cold civil war. And that's just the overarching stuff. That speaks nothing to the personal darknesses that we go through—whether that be divorce or heartache or sickness or poverty or the million other things that we go through. Our world, as you look at, is this balled up mess of rage and hurt and pointed fingers in all directions. And it's not new. Ever since Genesis 3, it's always been this way. [00:46:53] (66 seconds) #CallingConfirmedInChaos

Isn't that the mission I gave you? My spirit is in you. You carry me with you. I have gifted you and crafted you with passions and sensitivities to reach out to specific people. And I have placed you on this earth in this time for such a time as this. What are you doing with the gifts I gave you? And the reality is, if you're a believer in Jesus this morning, that is true for you. He has made you for a specific purpose for such a time as this. [00:48:54] (34 seconds) #PurposeForSuchATime

There is not a single person in this world that Jesus doesn't want us to reach. Think about that. There is not a single person in this world that Jesus doesn't want us to reach. That includes your family. That includes your friends. It includes your co-workers. But it also includes your enemies. It includes the people that have wronged you. It includes the people on the opposite end of the political aisle. It includes the guy who murdered Charlie Kirk. All people. [00:52:45] (48 seconds) #ReachEveryHeart

What Paul says here is that if you are a believer in Jesus this morning, that means that Christ has made you an ambassador for him in this world to meet, help people meet him. That is your number one job in this world. [00:54:33] (23 seconds) #AmbassadorsForChrist

See, if you are in Christ this morning, when you go to work, you are no longer representing your company, you are representing Christ first. You are no longer, and this is a hard one for us as Americans, because our country is a great place, but you no longer represent America first. That no longer applies to you. You represent Jesus first. It's good to be proud of your country. It's a great thing, but you represent Jesus first. You no longer represent Corner Bible church first. You represent Jesus first. [00:56:00] (36 seconds) #RepresentJesusFirst

Because as I think about that? Like, that's a sobering thought. That in every, in each situation that happens in our life, I no longer represent me. I represent Jesus. Jesus. When people are talking smack about you, the things you say back, you represent Jesus. The way you treat people in general, in the varying situations of our life, you represent Jesus. In the things that you approve of, you represent Jesus. In each and every circumstance of our life, we represent Jesus. [00:56:45] (51 seconds) #LivingAsJesusRepresentative

But what I think we need to acknowledge a lot of times, that when it comes to reach, when it comes to sharing that faith, we just suppress it. Like, like, like, can we just be honest about that? Like, I don't want to say that to shame anybody, but we need to think about this. Man, if I could be vulnerable, there are times when the world is acting like the world, and I go and act like the world alongside of them, instead of using that as an opportunity to shine out. Anybody been there? All right? There are times where the Lord has opened up a door very wide for me to go through and share the gospel, but rather than doing that, I just close the door because I don't want to make the relationship weird. I just don't want to be awkward. [00:57:57] (52 seconds) #OvercomeFearShareFaith

Your calling is where your deep gladness and the world's hunger meet, meaning that you are called to the place to share Christ with people where he has made you specifically able to do so. See, he has made you and knit you together in your mother's womb in a special way. He has given you experiences and trials and passions that speak to specific people. [01:05:15] (25 seconds) #CallingMeetsNeed

I think it's good to know you're in good company because the 11 men who were given the Great Commission at their commissioning service felt the same exact way. They felt the same exact way, but they couldn't move forward because they weren't alone. Look at verse 20. Behold, I'm with you to the very end of the age. When we take the gospel, we combine love that we talked about last week and reach that we talked about today, we do not go alone, but Christ goes with us. You don't go by yourself. We don't even go as a church. We go with Christ with us. [01:10:40] (40 seconds) #OneStepOneNeighbor

So I just have one challenge for you for this week. I know I've said a lot. Don't let this be just another sermon you nod along to and say amen. Don't do that. And I don't want you to go out and run a marathon. I want you to take one step. One step. Invite one neighbor over for dinner. Have one conversation. Gospel-centered conversation. Go help a neighbor out. Show them Christ's love. Start the relationship. Sometimes you can't get to a gospel conversation right away. Sometimes it takes a little bit. But represent them this week one time. And as you go, remember Jesus' words, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. So step out this week trusting that his presence will meet you in your obedience. [01:11:20] (62 seconds)

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