Living Sent: Embracing God's Great Commission in Our Daily Lives
In a world where over 3.5 billion people have little or no access to the Gospel message, the call to live as sent people has never been more urgent. As followers of Christ, we are commissioned not just to gather for worship, but to scatter with purpose, carrying the message of Jesus wherever we go.
What Does It Mean to Be Sent?
The Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20 reveals Jesus' final instructions to His disciples: "'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 English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't called the "small commission" or the "optional commission" - it's the Great Commission. The word "go" in the original text carries the meaning of "as you are going" - suggesting that as we live our daily lives, we should naturally be making disciples and sharing the Gospel.
The Geographic Progression of Mission
Jerusalem: Starting Where You Are
In Acts 1:8, Jesus outlines a clear progression for Gospel advancement: "'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 English Standard Version (ESV)
Jerusalem represents our immediate sphere of influence - our neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and daily interactions. Mission begins locally, right where we are. Your everyday life is your mission field.
Judea: Expanding Regionally
Judea represents the regional expansion of the Gospel - reaching beyond our immediate community to our broader region, state, and areas where people share similar values and backgrounds.
Samaria: Crossing Cultural Boundaries
When Jesus mentioned Samaria, it would have been shocking to His Jewish audience. Samaritans were despised and considered culturally inferior. This represents reaching people who don't look like us, don't share our values, and come from different backgrounds.
The Ends of the Earth: Global Vision
This encompasses the worldwide spread of the Gospel, recognizing that we're part of something much bigger than ourselves and our local communities.
Why Is Living Sent So Important?
The Staggering Need
The statistics are sobering:
- Of the 8.19 billion people in the world, 3.56 billion have little or no access to the Gospel
- 7,000 of the 14,000 people groups have never heard the Gospel of Jesus
- 70% of evangelical Christians don't even know these statistics
Our Unprecedented Resources
We in the Western world are more resourced to reach the world for Christ than any other time in human history. We have technology, transportation, and communication capabilities that the early church could never have imagined. Yet they managed to spread the Gospel throughout the known world despite facing far greater obstacles.
How Can We Live Sent?
Start by Being Sent Here
Identify your everyday mission field. Begin viewing the people in your world through the lens of eternity. Their greatest need isn't just food, shelter, or temporary comfort - it's the difference between eternal life and eternal death.
Create and maintain relationships that become so meaningful that when the right moment comes, you'll be positioned to point people to Jesus. You might be the only person in their life who will share this message.
Take a Step and Go Out There
Consider participating in short-term mission trips or supporting global ministry efforts. God may be calling you to step outside your comfort zone and experience His heart for the nations firsthand.
Dream and Pray About Going Everywhere
Develop a global vision for the Gospel message. Pray for unreached people groups. Support missionaries and church planters. Give financially to global ministry efforts. Remember that missions isn't just an event - it's about identifying God's mission in our individual and corporate lives.
The Authority Behind the Mission
This commission doesn't come from human leadership or church programs. In John 20:21, Jesus declares: "As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you." This mission flows from God the Father, through Jesus Christ, to us. It carries divine authority and eternal significance.
When we become Christ followers, we don't get to opt out of this mission. It's not a button we choose to press or an activity we add to our schedule. We are automatically part of the Great Commission the moment we accept Jesus as our Savior.
Living as the Church Sent
We don't simply gather as a church - we live sent as the church. Mission isn't about replacing good Christian activities; it's about recognizing that our faith must be lived out in ordinary places as we go about our daily lives.
The early church in Acts 13 provides a powerful example. While they were worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." The church then laid hands on them and sent them out. This wasn't just about two individuals - it was about an entire community committed to advancing God's kingdom.
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to live truly sent. Start by identifying one person in your everyday sphere of influence who needs to experience God's love through you. This might be a coworker, neighbor, family member, or someone you encounter regularly.
Begin praying for this person daily, asking God to show you how to build a meaningful relationship with them. Look for natural opportunities to demonstrate Christ's love through your actions and words. Remember, you're not trying to be weird or pushy - you're simply being intentionally present in their life as someone who follows Jesus.
Consider how you might support global missions through prayer, giving, or even participating in a short-term trip. Ask yourself: Am I thinking too small about my role in God's global mission?
Questions for Reflection:
- Who in my daily life needs to see Jesus through my words and actions?
- How can I better support the global spread of the Gospel through prayer, giving, or going?
- Am I living with an eternal perspective, or am I focused only on temporary needs and concerns?
- What fears or excuses am I using to avoid stepping into my role in the Great Commission?
The Gospel message that changed your life came to you through someone who lived sent. Don't let it stop with your generation. Live sent here, there, and everywhere, trusting that God will use your obedience to reach others for His kingdom.
What Does It Mean to Be Sent?
The Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20 reveals Jesus' final instructions to His disciples: "'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 English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't called the "small commission" or the "optional commission" - it's the Great Commission. The word "go" in the original text carries the meaning of "as you are going" - suggesting that as we live our daily lives, we should naturally be making disciples and sharing the Gospel.
The Geographic Progression of Mission
Jerusalem: Starting Where You Are
In Acts 1:8, Jesus outlines a clear progression for Gospel advancement: "'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 English Standard Version (ESV)
Jerusalem represents our immediate sphere of influence - our neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and daily interactions. Mission begins locally, right where we are. Your everyday life is your mission field.
Judea: Expanding Regionally
Judea represents the regional expansion of the Gospel - reaching beyond our immediate community to our broader region, state, and areas where people share similar values and backgrounds.
Samaria: Crossing Cultural Boundaries
When Jesus mentioned Samaria, it would have been shocking to His Jewish audience. Samaritans were despised and considered culturally inferior. This represents reaching people who don't look like us, don't share our values, and come from different backgrounds.
The Ends of the Earth: Global Vision
This encompasses the worldwide spread of the Gospel, recognizing that we're part of something much bigger than ourselves and our local communities.
Why Is Living Sent So Important?
The Staggering Need
The statistics are sobering:
- Of the 8.19 billion people in the world, 3.56 billion have little or no access to the Gospel
- 7,000 of the 14,000 people groups have never heard the Gospel of Jesus
- 70% of evangelical Christians don't even know these statistics
Our Unprecedented Resources
We in the Western world are more resourced to reach the world for Christ than any other time in human history. We have technology, transportation, and communication capabilities that the early church could never have imagined. Yet they managed to spread the Gospel throughout the known world despite facing far greater obstacles.
How Can We Live Sent?
Start by Being Sent Here
Identify your everyday mission field. Begin viewing the people in your world through the lens of eternity. Their greatest need isn't just food, shelter, or temporary comfort - it's the difference between eternal life and eternal death.
Create and maintain relationships that become so meaningful that when the right moment comes, you'll be positioned to point people to Jesus. You might be the only person in their life who will share this message.
Take a Step and Go Out There
Consider participating in short-term mission trips or supporting global ministry efforts. God may be calling you to step outside your comfort zone and experience His heart for the nations firsthand.
Dream and Pray About Going Everywhere
Develop a global vision for the Gospel message. Pray for unreached people groups. Support missionaries and church planters. Give financially to global ministry efforts. Remember that missions isn't just an event - it's about identifying God's mission in our individual and corporate lives.
The Authority Behind the Mission
This commission doesn't come from human leadership or church programs. In John 20:21, Jesus declares: "As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you." This mission flows from God the Father, through Jesus Christ, to us. It carries divine authority and eternal significance.
When we become Christ followers, we don't get to opt out of this mission. It's not a button we choose to press or an activity we add to our schedule. We are automatically part of the Great Commission the moment we accept Jesus as our Savior.
Living as the Church Sent
We don't simply gather as a church - we live sent as the church. Mission isn't about replacing good Christian activities; it's about recognizing that our faith must be lived out in ordinary places as we go about our daily lives.
The early church in Acts 13 provides a powerful example. While they were worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." The church then laid hands on them and sent them out. This wasn't just about two individuals - it was about an entire community committed to advancing God's kingdom.
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to live truly sent. Start by identifying one person in your everyday sphere of influence who needs to experience God's love through you. This might be a coworker, neighbor, family member, or someone you encounter regularly.
Begin praying for this person daily, asking God to show you how to build a meaningful relationship with them. Look for natural opportunities to demonstrate Christ's love through your actions and words. Remember, you're not trying to be weird or pushy - you're simply being intentionally present in their life as someone who follows Jesus.
Consider how you might support global missions through prayer, giving, or even participating in a short-term trip. Ask yourself: Am I thinking too small about my role in God's global mission?
Questions for Reflection:
- Who in my daily life needs to see Jesus through my words and actions?
- How can I better support the global spread of the Gospel through prayer, giving, or going?
- Am I living with an eternal perspective, or am I focused only on temporary needs and concerns?
- What fears or excuses am I using to avoid stepping into my role in the Great Commission?
The Gospel message that changed your life came to you through someone who lived sent. Don't let it stop with your generation. Live sent here, there, and everywhere, trusting that God will use your obedience to reach others for His kingdom.
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