Messengers of the GospelSýnishorn

The Gospel is for All Cultures

"Yeeshu aapase pyaar karate hain" is Hindi for “Jesus loves you!”

No matter what language we speak or cultural background we come from, that sacrificial love of Jesus speaks volumes. What innocent person would go through the pain and sacrifice of the cross to save others?

Only Jesus.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Jesus’ death on the cross, in obedience to God the Father, is the most profound act of love that has ever occurred. Because of Jesus, the cross will always be seen as a symbol of sacrificial love.

The love of Jesus transcends worldly divisions. He died for all people. The soldiers who nailed Him to the cross were Roman Gentiles. The crowds that mocked Him were both Jews from Israel and also from other regions and countries. The men on each side of Jesus were violent criminals. As He suffered, Jesus did not curse any of them; instead, He prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).

Earlier in the Biblical story, the Tower of Babel was built high, as people tried to unite themselves in pride and arrogance against God. (Genesis 11). This resulted in the introduction by God of multiple languages. Centuries later, when Jesus surrendered His Spirit on the cross, the dividing walls of culture, language, and ethnicity were torn down. Jesus became the single door through which we can be reconciled to God. Jesus boldly proclaimed, "I am the way and the truth and the life." (John 14:6a)

Although the door stands open, some have chosen to remain separate from God. Still others have not yet heard the good news of Jesus. According to the Joshua Project, there are 2,272 people groups in India alone, and 2,041 remain unreached (89.8%). Does that seem strange? The Joshua Project also reports that there are 523 people groups in the United States alone, and 98 of them are considered unreached.

Closer to home, it is very likely that we interact every day with someone who has not yet heard or responded to the good news of Jesus. Keeping this in mind can spur us on to pray for and interact with our neighbors, even those who look, dress, or speak differently from us. Perhaps there are some individuals or groups of people in your life that you are not very fond of, or maybe even some that you consider your enemy. Jesus died for them, too. They were created in the image of God, and God loves them so much that He sent His Son for them. We must proclaim the Good News of Christ to everyone everywhere.

The apostle Paul said, "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." (1 Corinthians 9:22-23)

How far are you willing to go?

Reflection:

Is there a person or a group of people that your heart has grown cold towards? Pray for God to bless them today and transform your heart to be filled with love for them.