Read: John 17:6-19.
As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.  (verse 18)

Reflect:
The people who follow Jesus are given many names or descriptions in scripture: we are forgiven, adopted sons and daughters, members of the body of Christ, priests, peculiar people, etc.

One of the most important identities we have is: “Sent Ones” or sent people. Just as Jesus was sent by the Father into this world to show and declare God’s love, so we are being sent to do the same thing.

We have received the Holy Spirit to empower us for mission. As Jesus followers we are called to share the good news of Jesus in our words, deeds and actions, inviting people to place their faith in Jesus just as we have done.

One of the great dangers we have as a group of believers (the church) is that we become self- centred with our own concerns. Christians spend so much time running programs and caring for our own that we have little time or energy to build relationships with people outside of the church. When I was in college, I remember an author writing, “We are no longer fishers of men. Rather we have become keepers of the aquarium. We may exchange a fish from one aquarium to another, but seldom do we find new fish in the aquarium.”

Jesus teaching is clear: as followers of Jesus, we are partners in the mission of saving people who are lost in sin. We cannot be found just talking about sharing our faith at the very least we need to be prepared to tell people for the hope that is within us. (1 Peter 3:15).

Pray:  Father, use my words and actions to help others understand the gospel and see their need for you. Amen.