What did Jesus do?

Jesus saw the end. He came to seek and save what was lost. His mission focused on the people of Israel, chosen by God to be witnesses to the world. He welcomed the Gentiles he encountered and prepared his disciples to take the gospel to the world.

Jesus’ mission to Israel prepared the way. This is the example he set. This is what Jesus did as the founder of a missionary movement.

1. Jesus saw the end.

He was moved with compassion. He looked out over Israel and saw sheep, lost without a shepherd. He wept over Jerusalem’s rejection of God’s messengers. He prepared his disciples to take the gospel to the whole world.

2. Jesus connected with people.

Jesus crossed whatever boundaries stood in the way and connected with people. No group was beyond his care. Jesus spent a lot of his time ministering to people, looking for the “sick” not the “healthy,” “sinners” not the “righteous”. He sought out people who knew they needed God’s mercy.

3. Jesus shared the gospel.

Jesus proclaimed the good news of salvation in words and deeds. In him, God’s rule had become a present reality. He preached, he taught, he rebuked, and he invited everyone he met to repent and believe. He gave his life as a ransom for many.

4. Jesus trained disciples.

Jesus led people to put their trust in him and to learn to obey his commands. He modeled and taught them a new way of life.

5. Jesus gathered communities.

Jesus formed his disciples into communities characterized by faith in him, love for one another, and witness in word and deed.

6. Jesus multiplied workers.

Jesus equipped his followers to make disciples of all nations. He sent the Holy Spirit upon them so that they would continue his ministry in his power.