In Scripture, it is very clear that Christ led His disciples to love the least, lost, and broken. He walked into communities and recognized the need of those who were marginalized and pushed aside. He flipped the society upside down as He touched the lepers, sat with the beggars, and ate with those who were viewed as “sinners”.
It seems as if Jesus had a strategy in His journey. He moved with intentionality and His disciples followed in every step. They found themselves walking into the same situations and discovering the purpose of the ministry of Jesus.
What is even better? Jesus didn’t hoard the call. He passed it on to His followers. He actually set that tone from the beginning of His ministry, when He preached from the mountainside, Jesus called His disciples to love and serve the poor and be the light to a lost world.
The disciples were sent out to continue the ministry. Jesus sent them out on their own to do the things He was doing, which put them in an uncomfortable position, but they were pursuing God’s purpose for the world.
Jesus said,
“…go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons…whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart.” (Matthew 10:11)
His call was not for the disciples to go to the holy and healthy. He instructed them to pursue the lost sheep and seek out the sick. Then, he told them to “find out who is worthy”. In order for anyone to find something out, they have to be intentional about seeking out the information. They have to be willing to dig deep.
The disciples were expected to ask questions and step into the lives of the least and lost, on purpose!
For many of us, we hear the words of Jesus, and they sound great. We can all get on board with His call to love the least, serve the broken, and walk with the poor. Yet, we sit and wonder, “How?”
The answer is found in this moment Jesus sent His disciples out.
They walked with Him and watched what He did. In order for us to know how to care for the “lost sheep”, we need to spend time with the shepherd. We need to watch what He did, see where He is working, and listen to His words.
The disciples were intentional about their direction. Jesus gave them a clear group to reach. We need to listen to God’s call on our hearts for particular people to serve. Yes, we need to love everyone, but there might be a specific population we are to walk with. Seek out His direction and follow that lead.
Finally, in order for the mission to be accomplished, the disciples had to be intentional about walking into places that were uncomfortable. They had to put their biases, assumptions, fears, and concerns aside, and pursue the purpose of Christ. His mission was bigger than them, and the same goes for us. We need to be intentional about our service and how we serve.
If we want to know what needs to get done, we need to ask questions. We need to be willing to find out what is happening in our communities and ways to serve. Our call is to go into the different towns, cities, and villages to share the good news of Jesus.
May we be willing to dig deeper with the shepherd. May we be diligent in seeking God’s direction and His desires for our service. May we be intentional about loving the least for the glory of Jesus.
Peace and blessings friends.
QUESTION: How have you seen someone being intentional about their serving and loving the least?
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