Intimacy with Jesus Through Active Mission Engagement

Summary

Today’s reflection centers on the lifelong pursuit of intimacy with Jesus through active participation in his mission. The journey of following Christ is not simply about attending church services or engaging in religious activities, but about joining Jesus where he is already at work—often outside the familiar walls of our comfort zones. The call to “go and make disciples” is not a program or a project, but a daily invitation to partnership with our Bridegroom, who leads us into the streets, neighborhoods, and lives of those around us.

This pursuit is sustained not by our achievements or the visible fruit of our efforts, but by a deep, abiding relationship with Jesus. Faithfulness, not success as the world defines it, is the measure of a life well-lived in God’s eyes. The journey will inevitably involve suffering, discomfort, and even humiliation, but it is precisely in these moments that we share most intimately in the life of Christ. Our greatest joy is found not in self-fulfillment, but in doing the will of God and sharing in both his sufferings and his resurrection power.

Practically, Jesus sends us out in pairs, reminding us that mission is not a solo endeavor. We are called to seek out “people of peace”—those whom God has already prepared to receive the message of the kingdom. This requires intentionality, vulnerability, and a willingness to be interrupted and inconvenienced. It also means resisting the distractions and busyness that so easily crowd out opportunities to build genuine relationships with those who do not yet know Christ.

The challenge is to move beyond simply inviting people to church and instead to share our own walk with Jesus, demonstrating the reality of the kingdom in our everyday lives. Discipleship happens in the context of ongoing relationship, as we stay with those God brings across our path and share both our struggles and our stories of God’s faithfulness. As we press into intimacy with Jesus on his mission, we discover a life of purpose, adventure, and deep joy that far surpasses anything religious routine can offer.

Key Takeaways

- Intimacy with Jesus is found in joining him on his mission, not just in religious activities. The deepest connection with Christ often comes as we step out in faith to love and serve others, especially outside our comfort zones. This partnership with Jesus is a lifelong journey that continually draws us closer to his heart. [30:42]

- Faithfulness, not visible fruit or achievement, is the true measure of a successful life in God’s kingdom. When circumstances are difficult or results seem lacking, it is our obedience and steadfastness that matter most to God. The joy of hearing “Well done, my faithful servant” is rooted in a life lived in faithful response to God’s call, regardless of outcomes. [37:36]

- Sharing in Christ’s mission means sharing in his sufferings. True intimacy with Jesus often involves embracing discomfort, vulnerability, and even humiliation for the sake of the gospel. In these moments, we experience a unique fellowship with Christ that cannot be found elsewhere, and our lives become a testimony to the power of resurrection through suffering. [42:40]

- God is already at work in the lives of those around us, preparing “people of peace” to receive the message of the kingdom. Our role is to be attentive, intentional, and willing to build relationships with those whom God is drawing. This requires us to resist distraction, busyness, and the temptation to reduce mission to programs, instead seeking out and staying with those open to the gospel. [46:12]

- Discipleship is relational and happens in the context of everyday life, not just in church services. We are called to share our ongoing walk with Jesus, not just our conversion story, and to invest deeply in the lives of those God brings to us. This means being present, vulnerable, and willing to let others see how the kingdom is breaking into our own lives, so that they too might encounter Christ. [58:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[27:18] - Jenny’s Introduction and Family Journey
[27:51] - The Practices of Pursuit
[28:31] - Encountering Jesus: A Personal Story
[29:53] - The Great Commission and Intimacy with Jesus
[31:47] - Song of Songs: Yearning for the Bridegroom
[33:12] - Seeking Jesus in Our Neighborhoods
[34:04] - Mission as Lifelong Partnership
[35:31] - Intimacy with Jesus Sustains Mission
[38:41] - Sharing in Christ’s Suffering
[43:58] - Luke 10: The Person of Peace
[48:40] - The Importance of Going in Pairs
[50:40] - Embracing Vulnerability and Weakness
[53:33] - Resisting Distraction and Busyness
[55:42] - Staying with the Person of Peace
[59:18] - Pressing into Intimacy and Intentionality
[01:01:41] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

- 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.”

- Song of Songs 3:1-2
All night long on my bed I looked for the one my heart loves; I looked for him but did not find him. I will get up now and go about the city, through its streets and squares; I will search for the one my heart loves.

- Luke 10:1-9
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”

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### Observation Questions

1. In Matthew 28:18-20, what does Jesus promise to those who go and make disciples?
2. According to Song of Songs 3:1-2, where does the beloved go to seek the one she loves, and what does this suggest about where intimacy with God can be found?
3. In Luke 10:1-9, what instructions does Jesus give to the seventy-two as they are sent out? What are they told to look for in the people they meet?
4. The sermon described the “person of peace” as someone God has already prepared to receive the message. What are some biblical examples of this, and how did the preacher experience this in her own life? [[46:12]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The preacher said that intimacy with Jesus is found as we join him in his mission, not just in religious activities. Why might stepping out in faith to love and serve others deepen our relationship with Christ? [[30:42]]
2. The sermon emphasized that faithfulness, not visible fruit or achievement, is the true measure of a successful life in God’s kingdom. How does this challenge the way we usually measure success, both in church and in our personal lives? [[37:36]]
3. The idea of sharing in Christ’s sufferings was highlighted as a way to experience deeper fellowship with Jesus. Why do you think suffering, discomfort, or even humiliation can lead to greater intimacy with Christ? [[42:40]]
4. Jesus sends his followers out in pairs and tells them to stay with the “person of peace.” What does this say about the importance of community and relationship in mission and discipleship? [[48:40]]

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### Application Questions

1. The preacher shared that she and her husband intentionally walked through their neighborhood to meet people where they sensed God was already at work. Is there a place or group of people in your life where you sense God might be inviting you to join him? What would it look like to take a step toward them this week? [[33:48]]
2. When was the last time you felt uncomfortable, vulnerable, or even humiliated for the sake of following Jesus? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [[42:40]]
3. The sermon challenged us to resist distraction and busyness, especially when it comes to building relationships with those who don’t know Christ. What are some specific distractions or routines in your life that might be crowding out opportunities for mission? What could you change this week to make space for new relationships? [[53:33]]
4. The preacher said that discipleship happens in the context of ongoing relationship, not just by inviting people to church. Who is one “person of peace” in your life right now? How can you be more present and intentional with them? [[58:29]]
5. The preacher described how her own hunger for Jesus sometimes faded, and she had to ask the Holy Spirit to birth that hunger again. Have you ever felt spiritually stale or bored? What practical steps could you take to rekindle your hunger for intimacy with Jesus? [[59:38]]
6. Jesus sent his followers out in pairs for accountability and encouragement. Who is someone you could partner with in mission this season? How could you support each other as you seek to follow Jesus outside your comfort zones? [[48:40]]
7. The sermon said that faithfulness is more important than visible results. Is there an area of your life where you feel discouraged by a lack of fruit? How might focusing on faithfulness change your perspective or actions? [[37:36]]

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Devotional

Day 1: The Great Commission—Intimacy with Jesus on Mission
There is a unique intimacy with Jesus that is discovered as we join Him in His mission to make disciples. When we step out in obedience to His call, we find that He is already present and working, inviting us to partner with Him. This intimacy is not limited to church services or spiritual disciplines alone, but is deepened as we follow Him into the world, seeking to extend His kingdom. If you long for more of Jesus, go where He is—among those who need to know Him—and trust that He is with you always, even to the end of the age. [30:42]

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: Where is Jesus inviting you to step out in mission this week, and how might you experience His presence in a new way as you go?

Day 2: Yearning for the Bridegroom—Pursuing Jesus Beyond Comfort
True pursuit of Jesus often calls us beyond the familiar and comfortable, out into the places where He is already at work. Like the maiden in Song of Songs, our yearning for deeper relationship with Christ should move us to seek Him outside the walls of our routines, among those who need His love. This pursuit is not about religious duty, but about responding to the invitation of the Bridegroom to join Him in the streets and squares—where His heart is for the lost and the hurting. [32:54]

Song of Songs 3:1-2 (ESV)
On my bed by night I sought him whom my soul loves; I sought him, but found him not. I will rise now and go about the city, in the streets and in the squares; I will seek him whom my soul loves. I sought him, but found him not.

Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to move beyond your comfort zone and seek Jesus among those outside your usual circles?

Day 3: Faithfulness Over Achievement—Intimacy Sustains a Missional Life
A life of mission is not measured by visible success or achievement, but by faithfulness and obedience to Jesus. There will be seasons of fruitfulness and seasons of loss, but what sustains us is not our accomplishments, but our ongoing intimacy with Christ. Even when efforts seem to fail or go unnoticed, the joy of being faithful to what God has called us to is enough. At the end of our lives, what matters most is hearing, “Well done, my faithful servant.” [37:36]

1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV)
Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to shift your focus from outward results to simply being faithful to what God has asked you to do?

Day 4: Sharing in Christ’s Suffering—The Joy of Costly Obedience
Following Jesus on mission means sharing not only in His power, but also in His suffering. The call to a missional life is not always comfortable or safe; it often involves vulnerability, humility, and even pain. Yet, in these moments of suffering for Christ, we experience a unique intimacy with Him—a fellowship that cannot be found elsewhere. Our greatest pleasure is found not in earthly comfort, but in doing God’s will, even when it costs us. [38:56]

Philippians 3:10-11 (ESV)
That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Reflection: Where have you experienced discomfort or resistance as you follow Jesus, and how might you embrace these moments as opportunities for deeper fellowship with Him?

Day 5: Finding People of Peace—Intentionality in Everyday Mission
Jesus sends us out to seek those whom He has already prepared—people of peace who are open to the message of the kingdom. This requires intentionality, vulnerability, and a willingness to step into uncomfortable places, trusting not in our own strength but in His. We are called to go together, to avoid distractions, and to stay with those God brings across our path, sharing our lives and the ongoing work of Jesus in us. Mission is not a program, but a way of life—one that requires us to be present, attentive, and faithful in our neighborhoods and daily routines. [45:35]

Luke 10:1-9 (ESV)
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, “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. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”

Reflection: Who in your life might be a “person of peace” that God is already preparing, and how can you intentionally invest in relationship with them this week?

Quotes

As we pursue Jesus, we're confronted with his mission and that he invites us into cultivating this missional life that he um was the example to us all. So when I was a Christian, I when I became a Christian, when I first encountered Jesus, I was 18. Um, less than 2% of people even go to church in England. So um, I knew absolutely nothing. I had never stepped foot in a church and I came to know Jesus through a near-death experience. So I was overjoyed that of the message that we have eternal life in him. But I thought, what do I do now? [00:28:05]

Okay, Jesus came to extend his kingdom and the primary way he did that was to make disciples and those disciples he calls to then go and make disciples. So that's my life. I need to go and make disciples just as he did. And that's taken me over uh 30 years in three different continents and four different countries from slum areas and now eventually to Westbend. Um so I want to share with you two scriptures that have almost been the bedrock of the last 30 years. [00:29:09]

But the one that we miss is that we discover more of Jesus and we connect with him in intimate relationship with him as we partner with him in his mission. And that's entirely consistent with scripture. The scripture that I want to share is from Song of Songs 3:1-2. It says, "One night as I lay on my bed, I yearned for my lover. I yearned for him, but he did not come. So I said to myself, I will get up and roam the city, searching all the streets and squares, and I will search for the one I love." [00:31:38]

If we want to pursue a missional life, we have to remember that this is lifelong partnership with Jesus in his mission. We won't cultivate a missional life if we think that mission is just a bunch of projects and programs and things that we have to volunteer in. Sometimes we can reduce God's mission to a program and it can become another religious duty that we have to perform. [00:34:56]

Actually, the paradigm that I want us to be caught up in is not that we go on a mission trip for 10 days or we volunteer once a week, but that our bridegroom is calling us as our bride and inviting us into this partnership to extend his kingdom wherever you are. [00:36:16]

Inside we were alive because of our intimacy with Jesus. Again, if it was about achievement, that's not enough because what about when things go wrong and they don't work? 2015 was the first attempted coup in Bundi and we were caught up in that and over about three or four months um the rebels uh and the government clashed so much you know grenades, uh shootings imprisonments and everything was lost 10 years of work gone if it's about achievement you give up 10 years later we're all evacuated again. [00:36:33]

Because a biblical understanding of a successful life is got nothing to do with fruit. It's actually all to do with faithfulness. And that has to be enough for us the joy of obedience, of being faithful to what God has called you to. Because I want to hear at the end of my life, "Well done, my faithful servant." He's not going to say, "Well done because you got a mast's. Well done because you gave all your money away to the poor." I long to hear, "Well done because you were faithful. in your walk with me and you did what I told you to do." [00:37:40]

The third thing is that a life of mission whether you're here or abroad or in prison is that you engage in an intimacy with suffering with Jesus. It's not easy. It's not rosy and it's not comfortable. But Philippians 3:10 says, I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection. I want to suffer with it. I want to suffer with him sharing in his death so that in one way or another I will experience his resurrection. [00:38:27]

When I first started out on this journey at 18, I was really excited about the adventure that this missional life might bring. I was excited that I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to make a change. I wanted my life to mean something. I wanted to achieve something. I wanted to be have a difference in somebody's life. And they are all important motivations. There's nothing wrong with those. But as the years went by, I realized that it's actually only my intimacy with Jesus that sustains me from not giving up. [00:38:30]

When you engage in his mission and engage in his suffering, you begin to realize it's not just about our inheritance, but what is his inheritance? His inheritance is you and I. that we are his bride partnering with him ex to extend his kingdom. He isn't here to give us earthly happiness or self-satisfaction. That's not the deal. Our greatest pleasure is found in doing his will, God's will. [00:40:31]

Jesus's task to the 12 and the 72 is to go and find this person that God is already working in advance in their life. My favorite story of this uh in in Bundi is my friend and I were he had a heart. He said, "I think God wants us to go to the village that's over the mountain. It's about two hours walk." I said, "Okay, well, let's read this passage. It's clear. Let's believe that there's people of peace there that God is already working in." [00:46:53]

So what have I learned to find these people of peace? I take it straight from the text. The first verse, Jesus sends them in twos. And I am convinced that he sends us in twos because if he sends us on our own, we won't do it. We simply won't do it. There's so many reasons why we won't do it. you know, we're in the I'm in the township uh again in South Africa and I'm so glad that we were there with a team because I didn't wake up every morning with loving gushing feelings to go and reach the township for Jesus. [00:48:31]

What would be much better is if we went out and we felt strong and capable and that we've got this. But it's the complete opposite. And it's scary. You're a lamb and you're amongst wolves. The world is not a nice place. But what we do is we circle the wagons. we shrink back and we try and control our environment because it feels unsafe. Instead, we're to press into the uncomfortable place of fragility and powerlessness and weakness and humility. Because when we do that, we surrender our control and we begin to trust Jesus. [00:50:56]

If you feel incompetent, you're supposed to. You can't do it. You cannot do it. Now, American culture says you can. Complete nonsense. We cannot do it. Jesus can. We're supposed to press into him because he's enough. He says, "Don't take anything with you. Don't trust in your money. Don't trust in your resources. Don't trust in your education and your networks. Trust in me." [00:52:22]

Honestly, as I look at the Western church, the biggest distraction is that we're just too busy. There isn't the time. Our lives are completely frenetic. And a lot of the time it's doing good things. Honestly, we there's a lot of um busyness that's just church stuff. There's nothing wrong with that. But if we're not intentional about making the time to engage with people who don't know Jesus, it's not going to happen. [00:53:59]

So I ask you this question and I ask myself this question. How many people do I know who I intentionally spend time with in my week, in my month to build relationship, to share the gospel with? Do I have non-Christian friends? If I don't, am I putting time in my week to make sure that I'm trying to build non-Christian relationships? Again, if we're not intentional about it, it won't happen. [00:54:49]

The challenge is as we stay with them, as we walk with them, is that we learn to share our walk with what God is doing in our life. So, how do we apply this? What is what are the takeaways? Well, the first thing is press into intimacy with Jesus on his mission. Okay. Sometimes when we've uh been a Christian a long time, we can get stale. You know, life happens and you can kind of think, is this it? [00:58:59]

If you're hungering, take the step to go out. And if you're not hungering, many times in your my life, I've struggled and thought, and I've had to ask the Holy Spirit, can you birth that hunger in me again? Birth that hunger in me again when I gravitate to the comfort. when I gravitate to just being satisfied with the with the small crumbs of the kingdom. Holy Spirit, birth me that that doesn't satisfy me anymore. Ruin me so that I don't chase after that again. [01:00:10]

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Transcript

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