The Art of Neighbouring Part 2Sample

THE GREAT COMMISSION

In our fast-paced, electronically-saturated, globally-digitized world, virtually everything we need to know can be found at our fingertips or with a click of a mouse. We have instantaneous access to more information than we could ever properly process.    

Now, step back in time for a moment, and picture this . . .  a world void of all modern technology—no power lines or fibre optics—no internet or social media—no smart phones with Imessage or WhatsApp—no advance communication systems of any kind.  This would have been life for the early followers of Jesus.  If a story was to be told, or news was to be shared, it was done person to person, household to household, city to city by word of mouth or a hand-written letter.   

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he met with his followers, and charged them with a significant commission:  “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.” (Matthew 28:19) 

Jesus sent his followers out, on a mission to the person a few houses down, to the family in the next city, and to the peoples of every nation.  What would have seemed like an impossible task considering their lack of technology proved to be one of the most remarkable events.  The Gospel spread like wildfire.  Nothing fancy was needed—just the passion in their hearts and the urgency of the message.  Thousands upon thousands of people came to the saving knowledge of Jesus, and the early church grew exponentially.      

Our advanced world today may look vastly different, but the commission is still very much the same:  GO! Share the Gospel! Introduce a neighbor, a co-worker, a stranger to Jesus, and tell of his sacrifice and gift of salvation!  Let’s take the Great Commission to heart with the same intensity as those in the early days and see lives miraculously transformed for Jesus!