In review of John 17:18 it says, “In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world.”
Bottom Line:
Just as God sent Jesus, Jesus sends us.
What this means to me:
In the same way God give Jesus a mission in the world, Jesus gives me a mission as well.
Today's verse comes from the middle of John chapter 17 where at the end of his life here on earth Jesus is praying for us believers. Jesus asks the father to bring glory to him so that he can give the glory back to God. Jesus recognizes his authority over everyone and how he can give eternal life. Jesus then reveals that he has completed the work that he had been given.
Interestingly enough, Jesus prays not for the world, but for those God has given him (not just the current disciples, but those who ever will believe in him through their message.) He prays for our protection and that we would be united. He doesn't ask God to take us out of this world, but rather to keep us safe from the evil one. He asks that the father continue to set us apart and teach us the truth in the Word.
Just as Jesus was sent by the Father into the world, He is sending us into the world. Jesus has given us his life as a holy sacrifice so that we can be made holy by the Father's truth. Jesus longs for us to be with him to see the glory the Father has given even before the world began.
This means that as a follower and disciple of Jesus Christ, God has given me a mission in this world. I’m not here to just take up space; I’m not here to just strive after my own personal goals.
I have an assignment from God himself. Once I’m in the family, my life changes. I have a new reason for living. My life isn’t about me anymore; it’s about God’s mission.
And this mission fits into God’s mission for all of history. God created everything in the universe because he wanted a family. He didn’t need Earth. He didn’t need the other planets. He didn’t need the stars. He created all of it because he knew some of us would willingly choose to be a part of his family.
The mission God gave Jesus he now gives to the Body of Christ, the Church. He wants me to help get other people into his family. Jesus said it like this: “In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world” (John 17:18 MSG).
Once I know Jesus, I am to go! Go and tell those I know and come across about him. But I am to not stop there. God has never made anyone he doesn’t want saved. He loves everyone, across the entire globe.
God wants me to live out his mission everywhere: in my family, my community, and the world. His mission for my life is both global and local. The Bible says, “Now the Lord says to me, ‘It isn’t enough for you to be merely my servant. You must do more than lead back survivors from the tribes of Israel. I have placed you here as a light for other nations; you must take my saving power to everyone on earth’” (Isaiah 49:6 CEV).
This is God’s plan for the world. That’s his mission for me. He wants everyone on Earth to know him. And he wants to use me to see that happen. God didn’t just say that to missionaries or pastors. If I’m in his family, he gave his mission to you!
Its obvious to me that I need to change a few things about the way I live in order to fulfil the mission from God. My life should be characterized by sharing the love of God and what He means to me. I am to communicate the Good News message so that God’s family can grow. I not only to communicate but to help others understand what it means to live it out.
Today I honestly pray that I have some fears in sharing with others. I ask you God to help me get through this, have courage, discernment where I need it and more importantly grace as I rely on his strength and not my own.
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