Commissioned for Kingdom Impact Mark 16:15-18
Introduction:
Today we delve into a passage that encapsulates the heart of our calling as followers of Christ. In Mark 16:15-18, we are presented with the Great Commission, a divine mandate given by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. As we explore this passage, let us be open to the transforming power of God's truth, ready to be commissioned for kingdom impact in our lives and in the world around us.
1. Proclaiming the Gospel (Mark 16:15): "And then he told them, 'Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.'"
Jesus's command to "go into all the world" is a call to global evangelism. He commissions His disciples to spread the Good News of salvation to every corner of the earth, leaving no one untouched by the message of hope found in Him. This mandate extends not only to the disciples of Jesus's time but to all who would follow Him throughout history, including us today.
Billy Graham "As believers, we are not called to keep the Gospel to ourselves but to share it boldly with the world. Our commission is to be ambassadors of Christ, proclaiming His redemptive work to everyone we encounter."
Jesus instructs us to make disciples of all nations.
Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT): "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
In this passage, Jesus issues the Great Commission to His disciples, instructing them to spread the message of salvation to all nations. This command extends beyond mere evangelism; it encompasses the making of disciples who will follow Jesus and be baptised into the faith. Furthermore, Jesus assures His disciples of His continual presence and support as they fulfil this mission.
The empowerment of the Holy Spirit for global witness.
Acts 1:8 (NLT): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Jesus promises the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit to His disciples, enabling them to be effective witnesses for Him. This verse highlights the global scope of the Gospel message, indicating that it is meant to reach people from every corner of the earth. The disciples are commissioned to begin their witness in Jerusalem and extend it outward to the ends of the earth.
2. Demonstrating the Kingdom (Mark 16:17-18): "These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed."
Jesus not only commands His disciples to preach the Gospel but also promises signs and wonders to authenticate their message. These manifestations of power are not for personal glory but for the advancement of God's kingdom and the confirmation of His Word. Believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform miracles that testify to the reality of Jesus's resurrection and the authority of His name.
Reinhard Bonnke "The signs and wonders we see in the early church are not confined to the past but are available to believers today. As vessels of God's power, we are called to step out in faith, trusting in His authority to work through us for His glory."
The prayer for boldness and signs and wonders.
Acts 4:29-30 (NLT): "And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
In this prayer of the early church, believers seek boldness to proclaim the Word of God in the face of opposition. They also request divine intervention through signs and wonders to authenticate their message. This passage underscores the importance of supernatural empowerment for effective ministry and the reliance of believers on God's intervention.
The gifts of the Spirit for the common good.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (NLT): "A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said."
This passage from Corinthians highlights the diversity of spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church. Each believer receives a unique gift to contribute to the body of Christ, whether it be wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, or interpretation. These gifts are essential for building up the church and fulfilling its mission in the world.
3. Standing Firm in Faith (Mark 16:18b): "They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed."
The promise of healing demonstrates God's compassion and sovereignty over sickness and disease. Believers are called to pray for the sick with faith, trusting in God's power to bring about restoration and wholeness according to His will. This act of faith not only ministers to the physical needs of individuals but also serves as a testimony to God's faithfulness and love.
Andrew Murray "Our confidence in praying for healing does not rest in our own abilities but in the character and promises of God. As we stand firm in faith, we release His healing power into every situation, knowing that He is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine."
The prayer of faith for the sick.
James 5:14-15 (NLT): "Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven."
James instructs believers to seek prayer and anointing from the elders of the church when they are sick. This passage emphasises the power of faith-filled prayer and the role of the faith community in ministering to the sick. Healing is not only physical but also spiritual, as it is accompanied by forgiveness of sins and restoration to wholeness.
God's promise to heal all our diseases.
Psalm 103:2-3 (NLT): "Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases."
This psalm celebrates God's goodness and mercy towards His people. It acknowledges His role as both forgiver of sins and healer of diseases. The psalmist exhorts himself and others to praise the Lord and to remember His faithfulness in both spiritual and physical matters. This verse reinforces the biblical truth that God is intimately involved in the healing and restoration of His people.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the Great Commission outlined in Mark 16:15-18, let us embrace our calling with boldness and conviction.
May we be diligent in proclaiming the Gospel, demonstrating the power of God's kingdom, and standing firm in faith, knowing that we are commissioned for kingdom impact.
Let us go forth, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to fulfill the mission entrusted to us by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Application:
Reflect on your commitment to sharing the Gospel with others. Are there opportunities in your life to proclaim the Good News more boldly?
Ask God to increase your faith to step out in obedience and pray for the sick, trusting in His healing power.
Seek opportunities to demonstrate the love and power of God in practical ways, both within the church community and to those outside it.
Call to Action:
Let us go forth as ambassadors of Christ, commissioned for kingdom impact.
Let us pray for divine opportunities to share the Gospel, to demonstrate the reality of God's kingdom through signs and wonders, and to stand firm in faith, trusting in His promises.
May our lives be a living testimony to the transformative power of God's truth, bringing glory to His name in all the earth.
Amen.
