The Mission of My Life (If Not You, Then Who?)

Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” MATTHEW 9:35-38 NLT

I MUST UNDERSTAND WHAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD REALLY MEANS

From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” MATTHEW 4:17 NLT

But he replied, “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.” LUKE 4:43 NLT

Jesus, grilled by the Pharisees on when the kingdom of God would come, answered, “The kingdom of God doesn’t come by counting the days on the calendar. Nor when someone says, ‘Look here!’ or, ‘There it is!’ And why? Because God’s kingdom is already among you.” LUKE 17:20-21 MSG

…announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. MATTHEW 9:35 NLT

And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf.

The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland. ISAIAH 35:5-6 NLT

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. MATTHEW 9:36 NLT

TO BECOME A GOOD NEWS PERSON:

I MUST LEARN TO SEE PEOPLE THE WAY THAT JESUS DOES

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. JOHN 3:17 NIV

He said to his disciples… MATTHEW 9:37 NLT

I MUST LEARN TO SEE MYSELF THE WAY THAT JESUS DOES

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 PETER 4:10 NLT

…“The harvest is great, but the workers are few. MATTHEW 9:37 NLT

I MUST SEE MYSELF AS PART OF THE SOLUTION

But Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I.” JOHN 5:17 NLT

So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” MATTHEW 9:38 NLT

WHEN I MISS THE MOMENTS, I MISS THE MISSION

And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” ROMANS 10:15 NLT

During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God… But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere— in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ACTS 1:3, 8 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a place where you can quiet your soul: Take a few slow, deep breaths, inviting God into this time. Prayerfully release anything that may be burdening you at the moment, and ask God to fill you with His presence, allowing you to be honest with yourself and Him. Examine the things that occupy your thoughts and your heart, creating a “lesser” kingdom. Ask God to show you which of these things are capturing your attention and preventing you from a greater involvement in the work of the Kingdom of God. As these come to mind, simply release them to God. Pray a prayer like this: “Father, I notice that I spend a lot of time and energy trying to control these things and dictate the outcomes in my life. I confess this to you now, and instead invite your security and safety over my life. I release these things to you now, and ask that you would gently remind me during those times that I try to do it on my own.” Go through a similar prayer for any additional things that God brings to your attention. They may be related to comfort, control, relationships, politics, money, or something else. As you confess these areas, practice surrendering your “lesser” kingdom to God’s greater kingdom. Close your time by asking God to give you a greater vision for what He wants to do in and through you, returning to this practice as often as you need it this week.

Discussion Questions

For our Matthew series, we’re offering two options for discussing the sermon and Scripture. Choose option A or B to guide your group’s discussion time.

(A) The R.E.A.L. Bible Study Method:

1. Read the Passage: Start by reading Matthew 9:35-38 (NLT) out loud.

2. Explore the Theme: What are the main points or theme of the passage? What does this passage reveal about God and/or humanity? Consider the other passages referenced in the sermon notes in your discussion.

3. Apply the Lesson: How do we apply these passages to our lives today? What from the passage might God be encouraging or challenging you in?

4. Live It Out: What prayerful and specific action will you take based on what you learned?

(B) Choose a couple of questions from each section below to discuss as a group:

START HERE: What's something you misunderstood for a long time but at some point it finally clicked and made sense?

START HERE: What's the best news you've heard recently?

START HERE: When was the last time someone surprised you with kindness?

KEEP GOING: What are some “micro-kingdoms” (comfort, money, relationships, politics, control) that have captured your attention and compete with God’s kingdom, whether directly or subtly?

KEEP GOING: What keeps you from seeing people with compassion – the way Jesus does?

KEEP GOING: What does your life announce to the world around you? In what way is it announcing the Good News of the Kingdom of God?

LIVE IT OUT: What could you do this week to be a “good news” person to the people you interact with?

LIVE IT OUT: Where do you feel personally challenged to ask God to open your eyes to the work He wants you to do in and through you?

LIVE IT OUT: Who’s name did you (or will you) write down as someone that needs to hear the Good News of the Kingdom of God? How will you join God in reaching them?