Sharing the Good News
Everyone is looking for more good in their life. Wherever we find ourselves, we will encounter people seeking good. What would it look like for the world to see good in followers of Jesus? How did He show up in a way that pointed those around Him to the ultimate source of good? Matthew 9:36-37 (NLT) paints a picture of what that looked like: “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.’” Jesus was moved to compassion and commissioned those around Him to do the same. Now, it’s our turn.
Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:1-14 serve as a model for how we can show up and bring the Good News of the Gospel to everyone around us. This framework allows us to reflect on our progress and take a next step. Reach into the scripture to discover what God might be saying to you through His word!
Speak and Act: Matthew 10:1-8
Followers of Jesus were instructed to announce that the Kingdom of Heaven is near, proclaiming that life won’t always be this way. When followers of Jesus act on this blessing, a longing for wholeness and peace, it points back to the one who makes it possible. Jesus healed all kinds of diseases, always pointing back to a healer.
Give and Receive: Matthew 10:9-10
Jesus sent His followers with needs. They packed lightly so that they wouldn’t hesitate to receive hospitality. This created space for His disciples to experience mutuality with those they were sharing the Good News with.
Stay and Go: Matthew 10:11-14
The disciples were instructed to go and share the Good News with those who hadn’t experienced it before. The truth is that not everyone was looking for the news they were bringing. Jesus sent us to extend compassion to those around us, pointing to another way of life, not to make the decision for them. Dallas Williard once said, “Remember, you are not in control of outcomes”.
DIVE DEEPER
In each of these areas from Matthew 10, take a moment to reflect on how you will take a next step toward compassion:
Speak and act:
- What are you saying?
- What are you doing?
Give and receive:
- What are you bringing?
- What are you asking?
Stay and go:
- Where am I going?
- Is it time to go?