Five Transformative Missions Passages to Preach about Missions

God calls pastors to shepherd, inspire, and mobilize believers for action, specifically in evangelism and disciple-making. 

We are accountable before God to train the sheep with an understanding that the world needs the gospel and that the Church is responsible for carrying this life-changing message as Christ’s ambassador. 

Building such an understanding starts with sound, biblical exposition on missions. This article will explore five key Bible passages that form the foundation for missions, guiding believers to live as faithful ambassadors and participate in God’s redemptive plan. 

Continuing Jesus’ Mission 

“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.'” 

(John 20:21 ESV) 

Jesus, the ultimate Ambassador of God, was sent by the Father to proclaim and accomplish salvation. In John 20:21, he extends this mission to his followers, charging them to go into the world and share the good news. This verse serves as a cornerstone for understanding the Christian mission, emphasizing that believers continue the mission initiated by the Father through the Son—to bring God’s hope, love, and salvation to a lost world. 

A Global Perspective 

“‘Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.'” 

(Luke 24:46–47 ESV) 

In this passage, Jesus explicitly states that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations. This global perspective underscores the universal nature of the gospel, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. The message begins in Jerusalem but is intended to extend to the farthest reaches of the earth, emphasizing the inclusive and worldwide reach of God’s redemptive plan. 

The Logical Sequence of Evangelism 

“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!'” 

(Romans 10:14–15 ESV) 

These two verses outline the logical sequence leading to salvation, culminating in the fact that the lost must hear the gospel to be saved, and this cannot happen if evangelists and missionaries are not commissioned and sent. God calls believers to share the message so others may hear, believe, and call on the Lord for salvation. This passage challenges believers to actively engage in evangelism, recognizing that disciples sharing their faith is crucial in leading unbelievers to faith. 

Empowered by the Holy Spirit 

“‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.'” 

(Acts 1:8 ESV) 

This passage reveals the empowerment given to disciples through the Holy Spirit. The ability to be witnesses for Christ does not rely solely on human effort but is fueled by the Spirit’s power. This passage highlights the supernatural aspect of mission work and emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in working through believers as they take the gospel to the nations.

The Great Commission 

“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.'” 

(Matthew 28:18–20 ESV) 

Often referred to as the Great Commission, this passage captures the essence of the mission given to followers of Jesus. With all authority in heaven and on earth, Jesus commands believers to make disciples of all nations. The participles “going,” “baptizing,” and “teaching” outline the active engagement required in fulfilling this mission. God calls every church and disciple to be actively involved in these three essential activities. 

As a pastor, your exposition of these crucial missions texts can help shape your flock’s understanding of missions and spur them to obedient gospel action. Each passage contributes a unique perspective, collectively forming a comprehensive guide for believers to participate actively in God’s mission of redemption. May these transformative passages propel your congregation toward a deeper commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission and being faithful ambassadors of the gospel. 

©2024 ABWE. Used with permission.