Week #2: Our World, Our Responsibility
Blog Series Intention Recap
This four-week series for March will focus on what it means to be on mission with Jesus and living with the ends in mind. We examine why we should make God famous, how to make God’s fame increase, and what benefits derive from seeing God’s fame increase. Join us as we look at Missio Dei.
This post is part of the series “Missio Dei.” Click here to check out the other posts.
Let’s jump into Week #2:
God sent Jesus to live on mission in proximity to humans. His proximity brought responsibility to bring the “good news” of God’s favor and grace to those around him.
Why It Matters
As the creator, God took responsibility for his creation. He enacted a plan to bring redemption for his creation by sending Jesus to earth.
Jesus came to earth to proclaim the good news of God’s favor and grace to humans. His proximity to humanity gave him responsibility for those God brought to him and all humanity.
Jesus commanded his disciples to live on mission doing the tasks he had commanded them (Matt 28:18-20).
Jesus displayed his mission to the world and how we should live on mission in Luke 4:14-21.
Going Deeper
In Luke 4:14-21, Jesus teaches us a powerful lesson about proximity and responsibility. When we are close to someone in need, we must help. “Proximity brings responsibility” is synonymous with “Our World, Our Responsiblity.” Let’s explore the concepts through the story of Jesus declaring his mission.
After being tempted in the wilderness, Jesus returned to Galilee filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Everyone in the area was talking about Him. He taught in their synagogues, and people praised Him. Jesus was becoming well-known because of His wisdom and miracles.
Jesus went to Nazareth, His hometown. It was the Sabbath, the holy day of rest. As usual, He went to the synagogue. This was a place where Jews gathered to worship and learn about God. Jesus stood up to read from the scroll of Isaiah. Jesus unrolled the scroll and found a special passage. It said:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
After reading, Jesus rolled up the scroll and gave it back. Everyone was watching Him closely. Then He said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Jesus said He was the one God sent to help those in need. He was there to bring good news, freedom, healing, and God’s favor.
Jesus showed us that when we see someone in need, we should help them. He was right there in His hometown, and He knew the people. He saw their needs and took responsibility to help. Jesus teaches us that being close to someone means we must act.
Biblical Evangelism
Lewis Center Director Doug Powe says biblical evangelism is characterized by four key practices: proclamation, community, service, and witness. These practices align perfectly with what Jesus demonstrated in Luke 4:14-21.
Proclamation: Jesus proclaimed the good news to the poor. Similarly, we are called to share the gospel message wherever we go.
Community: Jesus was part of the community. He went to the synagogue, engaged with the people, and understood their needs.
Service: Jesus served those in need by healing the blind and freeing the oppressed. Our mission is to serve others, reflecting God's love through our actions.
Witness: Jesus’ actions and words were a witness to God’s power and love. We, too, are witnesses when we live out our faith daily.
Living on Mission
To effectively share the gospel, we must remember all that Jesus did and what God has done for us. This cultivates a life of gratitude. When we are thankful, gratitude naturally overflows, making talking about God’s goodness and love easier. People often think pastors have it easy to find conversations about Jesus. However, many people want to argue with pastors, feeling cornered or condemned. Romans 2:4 tells us that God’s kindness leads to repentance. Our mission is to share God’s compassion, mercy, and grace, showing that He sent Jesus to die for our sins so we can live free now and safe from the consequences of sin in the next life.
Jesus came to bring good news to the poor. This means we should also help those who don’t have enough. When we see someone struggling, it’s our job to lend a hand. It could be giving food, money, or just being a friend.
Jesus talked about freeing prisoners. This can mean helping those who are literally in jail, but it can also mean helping people who feel trapped in other ways. Maybe they are sad, lonely, or feel stuck in life. We can show them love and support.
Jesus healed people who were blind. Today, we might not be able to do miracles like Jesus, but we can help people see the truth. We can guide them to understand God’s love and help them see the good in their lives.
Many people feel oppressed or weighed down by problems. Jesus came to lift those burdens. We can help others by listening to their problems, praying for them, and offering our support.
Jesus declared the year of the Lord’s favor, a time when God’s blessings are given. We can spread this message by being kind, sharing God’s love, and reminding people that God cares for them.
Our Responsibility
As followers of Jesus, we have a big responsibility. When we are close to someone in need, we must help. We might not always know how, but even small acts of kindness make a big difference.
Practical Steps
Be Aware: Pay attention to the people around you. Notice if someone is struggling or needs help.
Be Compassionate: Feel for others. Try to understand what they are going through.
Take Action: Don’t just feel bad for someone; do something to help. It could be as simple as a smile or a helping hand.
Share God’s Love: Let people know that God loves them. Your kindness can show them God’s care.
Pray: Ask God to guide you and give you the strength to help others. Pray for those who are in need.
In Luke 4:14-21, Jesus teaches us that proximity brings responsibility. When we are close to someone in need, it’s our job to help. Jesus showed us how to care for the poor, free the prisoners, heal the blind, and set the oppressed free. By practicing proclamation, community, service, and witness, we fulfil our responsibility to others. Let’s follow His example and make a difference in the lives of those around us. We can share God’s love and fulfil our responsibility to others through our actions.
