Great Commission In Perfect Execution

Jesus is the perfect role model for the work of evangelism that we can find in the Bible. In modern day’s church, there are so many workshops and training being offered to people to be equipped for the work of evangelism. In Jesus’ day there were no such things available, instead there was only one mission to be fulfilled that is to preach the Goodnews (Kingdom of God). Jesus did it perfectly well that many were saved throughout HIS 3.5 years of ministry. When Jesus walked this earth 2,000 years ago, it was in a physical body. In his humanity, he was only in one place at a time. For this reason He spent His time moving about, going where people were and meeting their needs.

1. Evangelism is about going/reaching out

v. 35 Never did Jesus sit back and wait for the people to come to Him, He went out where the people were. Please note: nowhere does the Bible command lost sinners to come to church...but it does command us saints to go out into the highways and hedges and compel people to come to church. Evangelism can not be done within the four walls of our church. We need to go out and meet people and tell them about Jesus. Jesus did that. Vs 35 tells us Jesus went through all the towns……..

Evangelism is about a hard work. We can’t be lazy and expect others to come to Christ. We need to go and share. It requires us time, money and out of our comfort zone.

D.L. Moody was a great servant of God who will literally looks out for every possible opportunity to share the Gospel to whoever he meets. His book records that his friends will run away if they see him because they knew what Moody will tell them. (say the background)

Jesus could have stayed in one place and draw the crowd to HIM. HE did not do that instead HE went way out to meet and preach to the people.

Today, We are challenged to go and share the Gospel to others.

2. Evangelism is a Work of Compassion

Vs. 36 – Jesus had compassion on the crowd. HE had compassion because HE knew their helpless state. HE knew they are NOT going to be saved so, HE preached and healed them.

You and I can not do evangelism if we don’t have the heart of compassion. If we are not bothered about others and their destiny than we cannot do evangelism. You need to feel for others. You need to have a burning passion within you to lead others to Christ so that they may also have life in the fullest. You must have passion to elevate other from their suffering. Evangelism is all about having passion for the lost and telling them the Truth that leads them to eternal life.

Jesus was always filled with compassion towards the people. Their destiny was HIS concern whenever HE saw the people. Jesus also identified Himself with the suffering of the people. Read Luke 7:13; Matthew 15:32; Matthew 8:16-17; Matthew 14:14; Matthew 20:34; Mark 6:34; Luke 19:41-42.

3. Evangelism must be accompanied by Prayer.

Vs 38 – Jesus teaches HIS disciples to ask/pray to the ‘Lord of harvest’. Who is this Lord of the harvest? It is God HIMSELF. Then, why did Jesus ask them to pray to HIM when HE is the one who gives the commission/command?

We need to understand that though we put much effort to share the Gospel to others, it is God who saves them. Jesus Christ is the ROCK of Salvation. Salvation belong to our God. It is HIS prerogative who shall be saved and whom shall be condemned. So, our work of evangelism should always be accompanied by prayer. Pray earnestly and continuously for those you have passion to be saved and share the Gospel to them. God in HIS great mercies will surely save them. Matthew 18:14; Luke 9:10 (The salvation of Zachaeus)

4. Evangelism is NOT a choice/option but a COMMAND. (Matthew 28:19)

This verse is known as the great commission. Commission mean a charge given to someone to be fulfilled. Here, Jesus gives the commission in a form of ‘order’, Therefore ‘Go’ – it is stern command. It is a command not to be delayed and to be obeyed immediately by all.

The call of evangelism is NOT a choice for Christians. It is a tall order & command from our God. All of us who are saved in Jesus name are commanded to preach the name of the Lord. (1 Peter 2:9)

So, people of God, I urge you in the Name of the Lord to take up this command very seriously.