Joining Jesus: Turning Faith into Mission

When Jesus calls us to follow Him, He isn't inviting us into a life of comfort or routine. Instead, He invites us into His mission—a mission that originated in the heart of the Father, revealed through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus, and now continues through His baptized children. Being a Christian means not only receiving Jesus' love but also participating in spreading that love to others.

At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus read these words from the prophet Isaiah:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Lk. 4:18–19, ESV)

This was Jesus’ mission statement. He came to bring hope, freedom, healing, and grace. When we follow Jesus, His mission becomes our mission. His heart becomes our heart. His focus becomes our focus. For what purpose? To see other people come to life-saving faith in Jesus Christ. The good news that saved us is the good news we now share with others.

We often think mission work is only for pastors, missionaries, or evangelists. However, when Jesus gave the Great Commission, He addressed all His followers, not just a few:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Mt. 28:19–20, ESV)

Every believer has a role to fulfill. You may never travel extensively, but you are called to live on mission within your own home, neighborhood, workplace, and community. When counseling a young couple preparing for marriage, I mentioned that the man is the bishop of his own household. This aligns with Martin Luther's view in the Small Catechism: “The father is the preacher in his own house; he should ensure that the family is taught God’s Word, pray, and use the sacraments correctly.” Thus, mission is not a part-time duty for a select few; it is a full-time commitment for the entire church.

Just before ascending to heaven, Jesus told His disciples:

“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, ESV)

Notice how it starts: right where they were, in Jerusalem. For us, that means our “Jerusalem” is wherever God has placed us today. The people around you—your family, coworkers, friends, and neighbors—are the first mission field God has given you. As we are faithful there, God may open doors for us to reach further, sometimes even to the “ends of the earth.”

Jesus called His disciples salt and light (Mt. 5:13–14). Salt preserves and flavors; light shines in darkness. Most of us will live out our mission not through grand gestures but through small acts of faithfulness—listening to a friend in need, praying for a neighbor, acting with integrity at work, showing kindness when it's undeserved. In these ways, Christ’s presence is revealed through us.

The Apostle Paul once asked:

“How are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Rom. 10:14, ESV)

Paul’s point is clear: people won't know Christ's hope unless someone shares it with them. Often, that someone is us. God has chosen to work through ordinary people like you and me to carry His extraordinary message to the nations.

The good news is that Jesus doesn't send us out alone. He promised, “I am with you always” (Mt. 28:20). The Holy Spirit equips us with courage, wisdom, and love to live sent lives. The Holy Spirit given to us during our baptism is the same Spirit that enables us to live a holy life.

Mission isn't about pressure—it’s about presence. It’s about being present with people in a way that allows Christ's presence to shine through us.

So, the question is: Where is Jesus sending you today? Perhaps to a lonely neighbor, a coworker struggling, or a family member who needs to see Christ’s love in action.

As Jesus said:

“As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (Jn. 20:21, ESV)

To follow Jesus is to live on mission. Each day is a new opportunity to step into Jesus' calling, to bring His hope into the world, and to remind others that the kingdom of God has come near.