Embracing God's Mission: Reaching the Lost with Compassion
Summary
This morning, I wanted to challenge each of us to consider what truly gives our lives meaning. While family, friends, and success are important, there is a deeper call for those who follow Jesus: to participate in God’s mission of reaching the lost with the good news of the gospel. The college campus, especially in those first crucial weeks of a student’s journey, is a strategic place where hearts are open and lives are being shaped. We have a unique opportunity to reach a generation that is increasingly distant from Christ—only 4% of Gen Z follows Jesus today. This reality should break our hearts and move us to action.
God’s heart has always been for people to know Him. From the days of Israel, when He called them to be a kingdom of priests, to the commission Jesus gave in Matthew 28, the call is clear: we are to be bearers of good news, inviting others into the kingdom. Sharing the gospel isn’t just for a select few; it’s for all of us. Sometimes, it’s as simple as inviting someone to a gathering or sharing a word of encouragement. The stories of Jarian and Sean remind us that God can use even the smallest steps of obedience to transform lives and raise up new leaders for His mission.
But sharing the gospel is not just about duty—it’s about compassion. Jesus looked at the crowds and was moved with compassion because they were like sheep without a shepherd. We are called to see people as He does, to let our hearts break for what breaks His, and to love without condition or prejudice. Whether it’s a student with special needs, a neighbor, or a coworker, every person matters deeply to God.
The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. God is inviting us not just to pray for more workers, but to be willing to go ourselves. It’s not enough to hope someone else will answer the call; we must be ready to be the answer to our own prayers. The gospel is good news—better than any earthly joy we could share. The question is, do we believe it enough to share it boldly and lovingly with those around us?
Key Takeaways
- True meaning in life is found in joining God’s mission to reach the lost. While many things can give us a sense of purpose, nothing compares to being part of God’s plan to bring hope and salvation to those who don’t yet know Him. When we invest in others’ spiritual journeys, our own lives are enriched and aligned with God’s heart. [50:12]
- The college campus is a critical mission field, especially for Gen Z. With only 4% of this generation following Jesus, the need is urgent. The openness of students in their first weeks on campus is a window of opportunity for the gospel to take root and shape the future of our culture and world. [52:08]
- God’s desire is for all people to know Him, and He calls us to be “a kingdom of priests”—ambassadors who share His love and truth. This calling is not reserved for the spiritually elite but is the privilege and responsibility of every believer. Our willingness to step out in faith, even in small ways, can have eternal impact. [01:01:40]
- Compassion is at the heart of God’s mission. Jesus’ love was not selective; He was moved by the needs of all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. We are called to see others through His eyes, letting our hearts be moved to action, especially toward those who are overlooked or marginalized. [01:05:25]
- Praying for the harvest means being willing to be sent ourselves. It’s easy to pray for God to send others, but true prayer aligns our hearts with God’s and often leads us to become the answer. Obedience may start with a simple conversation or invitation, but God multiplies our faithfulness for His glory. [01:15:20]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Honoring the Internship Team
[02:10] - What Gives Life Meaning?
[04:00] - The Strategic Mission Field of College Campuses
[07:30] - The Power of Campus Ministry and Your Support
[10:12] - The Need at McNeese State and Gen Z Statistics
[13:00] - The Good News: Is It Worth Sharing?
[16:24] - Penn Jillette’s Challenge and Urgency of the Gospel
[17:51] - Jesus’ Compassion and the Call to Missions
[20:20] - God’s Heart for All People: Israel’s Calling
[23:40] - Stories of Transformation: Jarian and Sean
[28:31] - Compassion Without Conditions
[31:51] - The Harvest is Plentiful, the Workers are Few
[34:15] - Our Role in God’s Mission
[37:44] - Two Questions for Reflection and Response
[41:51] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- Matthew 9:35-38
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
- Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
- Exodus 19:5-6
Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Matthew 9:36, what does Jesus feel when he sees the crowds, and how does he describe their condition?
2. According to the sermon, what is significant about the first six weeks of a college freshman’s experience? [53:52]
3. What does God call Israel to be in Exodus 19:5-6, and what does that mean for their role among the nations?
4. In Matthew 28:18-20, what are the specific actions Jesus commands his followers to do?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus was “moved with compassion” when he saw the crowds? What does this reveal about God’s heart for people?
2. The sermon mentions that only 4% of Gen Z follows Jesus. How does this statistic affect the urgency of the mission for believers today? [52:08]
3. What does it mean for every believer to be part of a “kingdom of priests” and not just leave sharing the gospel to a select few? [01:01:40]
4. The sermon says that sharing the gospel is not just a duty but an act of compassion. How does this perspective change the way we approach evangelism? [01:05:25]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to consider what gives our lives meaning. Besides family, friends, or success, how much does participating in God’s mission shape your sense of purpose? Is there something you need to re-prioritize? [53:52]
2. Think about your own “mission field”—whether it’s your school, workplace, neighborhood, or family. Who is someone in your life right now who might be “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd”? What is one step you could take to reach out to them this week? [57:51]
3. The stories of Jarian and Sean show that even small steps of obedience—like an invitation or a simple conversation—can have a big impact. Can you recall a time when a small act of faith led to something bigger? What is a small step you could take this week? [01:11:50]
4. The sermon says, “Praying for the harvest means being willing to be sent ourselves.” When you pray for others to know Jesus, do you also ask God to use you? What holds you back from being the answer to your own prayers? [01:15:20]
5. Jesus’ compassion was for everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. Is there a group of people or a type of person you find it hard to have compassion for? How can you ask God to help you see them through His eyes? [01:05:25]
6. The college campus was described as a “critical mission field.” If you are a student or know students, what are some practical ways you can support or get involved in reaching students for Christ? [52:08]
7. The sermon asks, “Do I see people how Jesus sees people?” What is one way you can intentionally try to see and love people as Jesus does this week? [01:14:35]
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Devotional
Day 1: The Great Commission: Go and Make Disciples
Jesus calls every believer to actively go, make disciples, baptize, and teach others to obey all He has commanded, promising His presence with us always. This is not just a call for missionaries or pastors, but for every follower of Christ—wherever you are, you are invited into God’s mission to reach the lost and teach them the ways of Jesus. The urgency is real: generations are drifting from faith, and the responsibility to share the good news and disciple others falls on each of us. When we step out in obedience, we participate in God’s plan to transform lives and see His kingdom grow, whether on a college campus, in our neighborhoods, or within our own families. [01:12:30]
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
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 is one person in your life you can intentionally disciple or share Jesus with this week, and what is one step you can take to begin that conversation?
Day 2: The Harvest is Plentiful, but the Workers are Few
God’s heart aches for the lost, and He sees people as harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd; He calls us to pray for workers and to be willing to go ourselves into the harvest field. The need is great—there are so many who have never truly heard or experienced the love of Jesus, and God desires to send out workers to reach them. But this is not a distant call; it is a personal invitation to see the world through Jesus’ compassionate eyes and to respond with action, not just prayer. When you ask God to send workers, be ready for Him to send you, whether that’s across the world or across the street. [01:07:51]
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.”
Reflection: What is one practical way you can respond to God’s call to be a worker in His harvest—at your school, workplace, or neighborhood—this week?
Day 3: God’s Desire for a Kingdom of Priests
From the beginning, God’s plan was for His people to be a kingdom of priests—a holy nation that would represent Him and spread His light to all nations. This means every believer is called to be a bearer of good news, interceding for others and inviting them into relationship with God. Just as Israel was chosen to be a light to the nations, you are chosen to reflect God’s love and truth wherever you go, serving as a bridge for others to encounter Him. Embrace your identity as a priest in God’s kingdom, knowing that your life and words can point others to the hope found in Jesus. [01:01:40]
Exodus 19:5-6 (ESV)
Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.
Reflection: In what ways can you act as a “priest” this week—interceding for someone, sharing God’s love, or being a light in a dark place?
Day 4: Compassion for All People, No Exceptions
Jesus models a radical compassion that sees beyond differences, loving people simply because they are human and made in God’s image—even those who are overlooked, marginalized, or difficult to love. He calls us to extend mercy and kindness, not just to those who are like us, but even to our enemies and those society might ignore. This kind of love is not easy, but it is the heart of the gospel and the mark of true discipleship. Ask God to help you see others as He does, and to break your heart for what breaks His, so you can love with His compassion. [01:05:25]
Luke 6:35-36 (ESV)
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you find difficult to love or show compassion to, and how can you take a step toward loving them as Jesus would today?
Day 5: Believe the Gospel is Good Enough to Share
The gospel is not just good news—it is the best news, and if we truly believe that, we will be compelled to share it with others, just as we naturally share any other good thing in our lives. The real question is not whether the gospel is good, but whether we believe it is good enough to risk our comfort, reputation, or convenience to tell someone else. God invites us to step out in faith, trusting that even small acts of obedience—like a simple invitation or a word of encouragement—can be used by the Holy Spirit to change lives. Don’t let fear or hesitation hold you back; believe that the message of Jesus is worth sharing, and let that belief move you to action. [55:47]
Romans 10:13-15 (ESV)
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
Reflection: What is one fear or hesitation that keeps you from sharing the gospel, and how can you ask God to help you overcome it this week?
Quotes
Do you want your life to count? Do you want to make a change in this world who's lost and needs to hear the gospel of Jesus? [00:47:02]
This is our heart as Chi Alpha, this is our heart as people who earnestly follow the Lord, right? To go reach people, to make disciples, to teach what Jesus has taught us. That's the Christian life. [00:47:45]
The first six weeks it is proven that a college freshman is going to be the most open and is actually going to have the most memories of their college experience ever. This is a key time for us to reach these students with the gospel of Jesus because they're building a foundation. [00:48:17]
These students are looking for something new and fresh, and we have the ability to let that something be Jesus. [00:49:42]
You're not just giving money. You're being a part of God's mission. [00:51:02]
Does it break your heart for university students? Does your heart break for them? Does it tear at your heart to know that only 4 % of Gen Z follows Jesus today? [00:51:55]
God is faithful, not only faithful to provide for my needs, but he's faithful to the people who support me as well. God loves all his children, not just the missionaries. God loves people who call on his name. [00:53:55]
The college campus is full of students who are lost and are looking for something to fill the void of their hearts. And it's important that we go and tell these students about the good news of Jesus. [00:54:20]
The question isn't whether the gospel is good, but whether I truly believe it's good enough to share with somebody. [00:55:47]
How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that? To know that Jesus has come to give us eternal life and to know that, yet still choose to not tell somebody. [00:56:25]
The students on the university are like crops in a field that are ripe for harvest, and we must tell them about Jesus. That's what it looks like for me. Maybe for you it looks like your co-workers who need to hear Jesus. Maybe it's your neighbors down the street. Same truth applies. People need to hear the gospel. [00:57:23]
God's always desired for people to know him. In other words, for people to love him because he loves them so much. [00:59:21]
From the beginning, God desired for people to know him. And God chose Israel to be the country, the nation that was going to spread the light of God to all the nations. That was his plan for people to know him. [01:01:18]
How beautiful in the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, also Jerusalem, your God reigns. [01:02:27]
God has a deep compassion for all people despite who they are. It says when he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them. It doesn't say he looked at the crowd and then he went up to them, seen what they liked, what they disliked, judged them a little bit and be like, oh, okay, I could have compassion on you because you like what I like, because you do the things that I like to do. Like, therefore, I'll have compassion on you and love you. No, he doesn't say that, right? Instead, he just looks at the crowd and because they meet the one requirement that they're a human being, he loves them. [01:05:15]
God desires for us to have compassion on all people despite who they are. [01:07:42]
We're not the Lord of the harvest. The Father is, right? If we were the Lord of the harvest, oh my, Lord help us. Lord help us. All the plants are dying. I have an aloe, which if you don't know about plants, aloes are probably like one of the easiest plants to keep and maintain. Bro, that thing is brown like a raisin, and that thing is triveling up, and it's horrible. It's horrible. So thank God I'm not the Lord of the harvest. But God is the Lord of the harvest, right? [01:08:08]
God desires that everyone hears his name so that they can call on him, so that they can know him and know his love that he has for them. [01:09:34]
Sometimes you just got to step out in faith. I didn't give Sean a gospel presentation. I didn't preach to him for 30 minutes. All I did was say, hey, Sean, I'm part of Chi Alpha. It's a Christian ministry. And that's all the Holy Spirit needed, was for me to step out in faith. And then he did the rest of the work. [01:11:47]
Do I see people how Jesus sees people? When we begin to follow Jesus, our heart starts to change, right? It's a transforming thing. You see, there's only two options. You either conform to the patterns of this world, or you're going to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. There's no option C. [01:14:07]
Are you really praying if you don't feel compelled to go yourself? If you're wanting to pray that someone knows the Lord, praying that students at Nichols know the Lord, praying that family members know the Lord, you best be ready to be the answer to your own prayer. [01:15:21]
As you're reading these scriptures, it's not the Lord that's just going on his own, but instead he's inviting us to participate in the advancement of his kingdom. And if we're not going, we're not going to see the harvest. [01:15:50]
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we're going to reap a harvest of everlasting life. Are we going to go? Are we going to share the good news? [01:16:06]
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