As we come to the end of our mission series, it’s important to pause and reflect on the deeper foundation that drives us to share Jesus with the world. While we’ve been inspired by stories of global and local mission, and challenged to have compassion like Jesus, we must ask ourselves: why do we care so much about mission in the first place? The answer is not simply because it’s a “good thing” or because Jesus commanded it—though both are true—but because eternity is at stake. Without Jesus, people face a Christless eternity, separated from God’s goodness. This reality, though uncomfortable to talk about, is central to the heart of God’s rescue mission.
There are five key truths that shape our urgency and compassion for mission. First, God’s desire is to save people from every nation, tribe, and tongue. His vision is global, and He invites us to share in that. Second, the reality of heaven and hell is not just theological theory; it’s a sobering truth that Jesus Himself spoke about often and with great seriousness. Third, the cross stands as the ultimate sign of how much rescue matters to God—Jesus willingly endured it to save us. Fourth, our time is short. In the face of eternity, our lives are brief, and we are called to make the most of them for God’s purposes. Finally, love is at the center of it all. God’s love for us and for the world compels us to reach out, not from fear or duty, but from a heart transformed by His grace.
Jesus’ own words in Matthew’s Gospel make it clear that eternity is real, and the stakes are high. He speaks of judgment, the narrow and wide gates, and the separation of the righteous and the wicked—not to frighten us, but to awaken us to the urgency of His rescue mission. This isn’t about gloating or feeling superior; it’s about being moved to gut-wrenching compassion for those who don’t yet know Jesus. We are not called to be a comfortable cruise ship, but a lifeboat, casting out ropes to those in need of rescue.
God is still at work, drawing people to Himself, and He invites us to join Him in this mission. It will require sacrifice, courage, and a willingness to be uncomfortable. But as we keep our eyes on Jesus—His love, His cross, His heart for the lost—we find both the motivation and the hope to keep going. Let’s pray for God’s guidance, compassion, and power as we seek to help many find life in Jesus, both now and for eternity.
Matthew 7:13-23 (ESV) — > 13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
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> 15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
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> 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”
Matthew 25:31-46 (ESV) — > (Parable of the Sheep and the Goats – see [18:26] in transcript)
John 3:16-17 (ESV) — > 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
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