The Greatest Missionary Ever
There’s no debate who is The Greatest Missionary Ever.
The CEO of Global Mission and his missionary candidate gazed down from a high-rise office window of the mission headquarters. Far below, multitudes wandered like sheep without a shepherd.
“It won’t be easy to bring them the Good News,” the CEO reflected. “You will forsake the comforts of home and set aside the honor and prestige you have enjoyed here. And many of them will wish you had never come.”
“I know,” replied the candidate, “but when I think of those who will be saved through my efforts, I’m overjoyed. It will be worth it!”
“I’m glad you feel that way,” said the CEO. “However, I need your approval on one more detail about your assignment. It’s rather unusual, but I trust you will be willing. You know that a missionary strives to identify with his new people and culture to such an extent that he becomes one of them. That is the goal, even though up to now it has been impossible to attain perfectly.”
“That’s right,” agreed the candidate, “but tell me about the unusual part.”
“Son, there is one way to close the gap entirely between us and them, a way to become thoroughly joined to the people and their culture.” The CEO’s voice swelled with the conviction of a decision-maker with a bold new strategy. “What we need is a volunteer to enter your mission field in a unique manner — as an infant! He will have to forsake all his adult capabilities and be born among them, weak and helpless. But in this way, he will learn the language and the culture from the very start. Of course, this will mean years of waiting before you can preach the Word and sacrifice yourself, but when the time finally comes, you will be one of them! Yes, it’s unusual, but it will work! Well, what do you say, Son? If you are game, I’ll have a body prepared for you.”
“Here I am!” the Son replied. “I have come to do your will.” The two beamed at each other.
Turning to his intercom, the CEO ordered, “Angelica, get me Gabriel on the line. I have some messages for him to deliver.”
This post is an excerpt from the book Fullness or Fraction in the Gospel of John, which introduces readers to 10 essential building blocks of life in Christ. One of the building blocks is “Model.” Indeed our model for life is Jesus Christ, the Greatest Missionary Ever.
No cross-cultural trekker ever left more behind than the Son of God who took on human flesh and made His dwelling among us. (John 1:14) None one could be saved if the Greatest Missionary Ever had not crossed the chasm between the worlds in order to die on the cross in our place. Thus Jesus Christ earned the right to appoint every person He saves with the task of inviting every tribe, tongue, ethnic group, and nation to become His disciples too. In everything Jesus is our model.
To share in the conversation about the 10 building blocks of life in Christ:
- Read this 2-page Intro to the 10 essential building blocks of life in Christ.
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