Scripture Readings
- Mark 16:1–8
- 1 Corinthians 15:20–28
Questions
- How does the resurrection give you a mission?
- What is the kingdom of God and how does it affect our daily life?
- What are the most important activities you involve yourself in? Why did you choose these activities?
Plan of Action
- Write a mission statement for your life.
- What is one practical thing you can do to extend the kingdom of God (the reign of Christ) in the life of another person? Go do it!
Reflection
Imagine for a moment that you discovered the cure for cancer. How incredible would that be? It would be something that would change the world. You would want to share it with everyone you possibly could.
Jesus has given us something even greater than the cure to cancer. He has given us victory over death! We have a mission to let everyone know that we possibly can.
Awakened to a Greater Purpose
Very early while it was still dark (see John 20:1). This is how the Easter story begins. It was in the predawn hours when the women went to the tomb.
The darkness was appropriate. The followers of Jesus were still living in the shadow of Good Friday. The glory of Easter had not yet dawned. But the light of day revealed the stone had been rolled away. It revealed the tomb was empty. It revealed Jesus was risen, just as he had said.
The resurrection brought an awareness of God’s purpose which the followers of Jesus had missed. Their understanding of the mission of Jesus had been short-sided. Some thought the mission of Jesus was to restore the throne of King David in Jerusalem. Others thought it was to heal people of their diseases. Some thought it was to serve as a great teacher. But the resurrection showed that God had a greater plan than anyone could have possibly ever imagined. It was a purpose which was bigger than any one of the disciples themselves. It was a purpose for which each of the disciples with the exception of John would give their lives.
There is much confusion about the purpose of the church. There are many who believe the church is:
- A place to form friendships (social club)
- A place to be encouraged/inspired in worship (entertainment)
- A place to serve and help others in need (service organization)
- A place to learn good morals and values (educational institution)
These things are good, but none of these would I necessarily give my life for. When we limit to the church to these things we are limiting the power of the resurrection.
The Kingdom of God
Many of the followers of Jesus thought the mission of Jesus was to conquer the Romans and restore David’s throne in Jerusalem. That was why when he was crucified everyone was left confused.
But it was not the Kingdom of Judah which Jesus had come to usher in, it was the Kingdom of God. The very first words of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark:
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15 (ESV)
So many parables of Jesus are illustrations of the Kingdom of Heaven (see Matthew 13:11, 24, 31, 44, 45, 47; 18:23; Luke 13:18, 20)
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus instructs us:
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
There is also the matter of the Lord’s Prayer where Jesus teaches us to pray: “Father, your kingdom come” (See Matthew 6:10, Luke 11:12)
The mission of Jesus was to usher in the coming Kingdom of God. It was for God to rule in this world and in the lives of people.
He then gives that same mission to his disciples and followers. That includes you and me. Our work in this world is God’s work. Have you ever thought about that? You have a mission to extend the reign of God in this world.
It is about changing the course of people’s lives for eternity. It starts with healing the sick, giving hope to the hopeless, and proclaiming Jesus’ victory over death and all that oppresses us. It is trampling over evil and darkness with the power of the resurrection.
The Apostle Paul prayed in Ephesians 1:18 that the Ephesian Christians would have the eyes of their hearts enlightened, and would know the hope to which they have been called. He wanted them to come to a full realization of God’s work in their lives and in creation. I pray for you as the Apostle Paul prays. I pray that the eyes of your heart would be opened to God’s greater plan.
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