Biblical Missionaries Jesus: The Master of Missions

Lesson #7 for August 15, 2015

Scriptures: [2 Timothy 1:8-9; Daniel 9:24-27; Isaiah 1:1-14; 42:1-9; Matthew 10:5-6; Luke 2:814[i]].

1.    Since Satan’s rebellion in heaven, the Trinity-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-have had to deal with misrepresentations, accusations, and lies. When human beings joined Satan’s side by accepting his lies at the tree, God initiated the plan that had been set in place from eternity to rescue humanity. Their goal is to, once again, restore humanity to full unity and harmony with divinity.

2.    History split into two (B.C. and A.D.) at the coming of Jesus. He set aside His divinity to take upon Himself human nature, to reach out to us in our deep need. (Philippians 2:5-11ii)

3.    The issues in the great controversy were resolved by clear and decisive answers to Satan’s lies and accusations. That made it possible for us to go on our mission to the world with intellectually convincing and powerful arguments about God’s character and government. Scriptures point out three main methods that are assigned to us in carrying out that mission: 1) Bible study, 2) Prayer, and 3) Witnessing. In this lesson we will study how the Master of missions did it Himself and how He instructed His first disciples.

4.    How often did Jesus meet with people from other nations and other faiths? How often was He a missionary outside Judea or Galilee? Can you name several occasions? He often saw Romans. The Samaritan woman as recorded in John 4; the Canaanite woman as recorded in Matthew 15:21-28iii; the demoniacs of Gadara as recorded in Mark 5:1-20iv.

5.    There are a number of passages in the Bible suggesting that God’s plan to deal with sin originated in eternity past. Think of some of the passages in the Old Testament that look forward to the coming of the Messiah and what He would do for us. (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 42:1-9; 53:1-12; 61:1-2; Daniel 9:24-27; Micah 5:2; Zechariah 9:9)[v] To summarize, the Bible teaches that He will: 1) Lift up the oppressed; 2) Come at the time prophesied; 3) Forgive sin; 4) Establish justice; 5) Fulfill vision and prophecy; and 6) Rededicate the temple. God will come down to: 1) Be with us; 2) Set people free; 3) Open the eyes of the blind; 4) Bring light to the nations; and 5) Crush the head of the serpent by revealing the truth. And that is just the beginning of the list. Are those the texts and tasks that He talked about on the road to Emmaus?

6.    The Creator of the entire universe chose to identify Himself with us so much that He took upon Himself humanity in order to answer the issues in the great controversy with irrefutable evidence. We can choose to let God help us to live the kind of life He lived; or, we will die the kind of death He died-separation from God!

7.    Even in the Old Testament, there are passages suggesting that the gospel was supposed to go to the entire world. But, with the coming of Jesus even in connection with His birth and dedication, the focus of God was to carry the gospel from the base that had been established among the Jews-even though most understood it poorly-to all the world. Read [Luke 2:814,25-33; 3:3-6; and John 1:29.]vi These verses tell us that Jesus was to: 1) Bring joy to all people, 2) Be a light to reveal God’s will to the Gentiles, and 3) Bring glory to His people, Israel. The whole human race would see God’s salvation. The Lamb of God was to take away the sins of the whole world and to restore harmony to the universe.

8.    So, what is to be our response to all of that? Are we to have the same mission that Jesus had? See John 17:4,6; Ephesians 3:9-10; and Signs of the Times, January 20, 1890, par 69. We tend to focus almost all of our time and effort into ministry to our own church.

The missionary spirit needs to be revived in our churches. Every member of the church should study how to help forward the work of God, both in home missions and in foreign countries. Scarcely a thousandth part of the work is being done that ought to be done in missionary fields. God calls upon His workers to annex new territory for Him. There are rich fields of toil waiting for the faithful worker.—Ellen White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 29.

Let not the youth be ignored; let them share in the labor and responsibility. Let ministers put to use all their ingenuity in devising plans whereby the young members of the church may be led to co-operate with them in missionary work....Scarcely a thousandth part of the work is being done that ought to be done in missionary fields.—Ellen White, SW, March 1902 par 10. [Bold type is added.]

9. To understand why Jesus said apparently contradictory things at different times in His charges to His disciples, we need to look at the chronology of His ministry. (Compare [Matthew 10:5-6 and 15:24 with Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8]vii.) See also Chronology of the Gospels on the website www.Theox.org under Teacher’s Guides, Gospels.

Early Ministry-Baptism to Cana Wedding

Autumn A.D. 27 to Spring A.D. 28

Ministry in Judea - First Passover to rejection by the Sanhedrin

Passover in Spring of A.D. 28 to second Passover in Spring of A.D. 29

Ministry in Galilee - Second Passover to third Passover and retirement from public ministry in Galilee

Spring of A.D. 29 to Spring of A.D. 30 with rejection in Galilee

Retirement from public ministry in order to focus on training His disciples

Spring of A.D. 30 to Autumn of A.D. 30

Ministry in Samaria and Perea

Autumn A.D. 30 to Spring of A.D. 31

Passion week - Fourth Passover to ascension to heaven

Spring of A.D. 31

10.    In the earlier passages in Matthew, Jesus was sending out His disciples on their first missionary journey around Galilee. It was not a time to expand their mission into wider territories. So, who were “the lost sheep of the house of Israel”? (Matthew 10:5-15) After His resurrection, His challenge to them was to spread the gospel to the entire world.

11.    Jesus was born and raised as a Jewish male. He accepted and lived according to the Jewish culture. He ministered in that culture. But, the impact of His incarnation was universally applicable. (John 1:29viii) In order for His mission to be successful, it first had to be based on a solid foundation on a strong and stable geographical and cultural base. But, when that had been accomplished to some extent, it was time for the mission to reach out in ever-widening circles. Shouldn’t we be going back to Jesus’s directions for our mission?

12.    How well does your church or your Sabbath school class do at its mission? It is so easy to become wrapped up in church programs focused inwardly. What are the dangers in that?

13.    Read [Matthew 5:13-14; Mark 14:9; Luke 14:10-24; and Matthew 13:36-43ix]. These passages make it very clear, once again, that Christ’s followers-His disciples and us-are to be salt and light to the whole world, to preach to all the world, and to reach out to all classes of people. It is always easy to find excuses that seem plausible when one either does or does not want to do something. How can we avoid that trap?

14.    How much do you know about what Jesus and His disciples did between His resurrection and His ascension? There are five specific passages in the Gospels and Acts discussing specific events of that period. (Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:14-16; John 20:19-23; 21:15-17; Acts 1:6-9)[x] During these encounters, Jesus made it clear to His disciples that they were to go into all the world to all people everywhere-to the whole world, to the whole human race. They needed a paradigm shift-“fruit basket upset.” Just as the Father had sent Him, so He is sending us to feed His lambs, to feed His sheep, and to be witnesses to the ends of the earth.

15.    What did the disciples say to their wives and families when they got home after seeing Jesus ascending into the heavens and giving His final charge to them?

16.    We know a fair amount about the ministry of Paul to the northern shore of the Mediterranean. We also know a fair amount about the ministry of Peter primarily to the Jewish people but later to some of the same areas covered by Paul. We know a little about Phillip’s work in Samaria and with the Ethiopian. But, what about the other disciples? Matthew apparently traveled to Ethiopia; Thomas to India. Early church fathers say that besides writing the Gospel, Matthew primarily ministered to the Hebrews. Later, he may have traveled to places such as Ethiopia, Persia, Parthia, Macedonia, and Syria. Clement of Alexandria said that Matthew lived on a vegetarian diet. While it is possible that he died a martyr’s death as recorded by some, others suggest that he died a normal death. (Brief summary of material from the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised)

17.    While we know very little about Thomas, it seems that he traveled east to Parthia in Mesopotamia and possibly even to India. There are a number of apocryphal writings attributed to Thomas, most of which, of course, are unreliable.

18.    As we know, Christianity was a forbidden and illegal religion during the times of the apostles. How did it grow so rapidly to the point where the enemies of Christianity had already said that they were turning the world upside down in their generation? (Acts 17:6xi)

19.    Matthew 24:14 (GNB) says unequivocally: “And this Good News about the Kingdom will be preached through all the world for a witness to all nations; and then the end will come.” Later in that same chapter, Jesus added: “No one knows, however, when that day and hour will come—neither the angels in heaven nor the Son; the Father alone knows.” (Matthew 24:39xii, GNB)

20.    Thus, we can be certain that the second coming is approaching. But, we are not to set specific dates.

We are not to be engrossed with speculations in regard to the times and the seasons which God has not revealed. Jesus has told his disciples to “watch,” but not for a definite time. His followers are to be in the position of those who are listening for the orders of their Captain; they are to watch, wait, pray, and work, as they approach the time for the coming of the Lord.—Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, March 22, 1892 par 10; Selected Messages, book 1, p. 189.2; Evangelism 221.1; Heaven 166.1.

21.    How would you compare the obstacles which the early apostles met when trying to spread the gospel in their day with the obstacles we face today? The disciples went out with nothing! What are the main obstacles that prevent you from witnessing to others today?

22.    What can we as a Sabbath school class do to extend the healing and saving ministry of Jesus Christ in our own communities? Do we have a mission to reach out to other church members to share the good news about the great controversy as well as reaching out to the world to share the gospel? Do all Adventists really understand the great controversy?

23.    In Jesus’s ministry on this earth, He always sought to provide complete healing of body and soul. Today, we call that a wholistic ministry. Is it possible for us to carry out a wholistic ministry in our day?

24.    We have been sent as ambassadors. That is the modern English equivalent of missionaries or apostles. We are to be constrained and compelled in our daily ministry by the love of Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:14xiii) Our goal is to make others His friends also. (2 Corinthians 5:18xiv) Jesus had compassion on the crowds and healed every kind of disease and sickness. (Matthew 9:35-36xv)

25.    We need to recognize that real mission is motivated by love and not by a feeling of obligation. Jesus loved the crowds despite the fact that they were worried and acted helpless without a Shepherd.

26.    What methods should we use in our workplace and in our communities to spread the gospel? How good are we at explaining every detail of what we believe?

27.    It has been said that Jesus is “God spelled out in language human beings can understand.” Would that statement also be true about His mission? For a modern example, look at C. S. Lewis.

28.    Read Isaiah 42:1-9xvi. How comprehensive is this prophecy about the work of Jesus? It clearly spelled out that He would reach out to Gentiles, the blind, those in prison, and those who sit in darkness. His mission was to bring justice, share light, open eyes, and release captives. Shouldn’t we do the same? Compare Jesus’s statement about His own mission as recorded in Luke 4:18-21xvii.

29.    Jesus always combined His healings with a saving message. He was a healer of both physical and spiritual maladies.

30.    In our day, what are the risks of focusing too much on a social gospel or focusing too much only on individual salvation?

31.    Read Matthew 10:7-8xviii. On their first missionary journey, did the disciples really heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and drive out demons? In what ways are we to duplicate a mission like that? Notice that Jesus sent His disciples out to people’s homes. He did not send them out to give meetings!

Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, “Follow Me.”

There is need of coming close to the people by personal effort. If less time were given to sermonizing, and more time were spent in personal ministry, greater results would be seen.—Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 143.3-4.

32.    Clearly, Jesus did not just preach His message to people; He lived it. He ministered to every need that He saw.

33.    When the right time comes, we can promise them what Jesus promised them: Complete healing-physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. It may not be right now. But, for those who accept Him into their lives, the results are absolute.

34.    As they would conquer another territory, the Romans would send in the general with his troops. But, along with them would be a diplomatic ambassador or legate. It was the legate’s responsibility to arrange peace terms, determine boundaries, and draw up constitutional provisions. His goal was to bring them into the family of the Roman Empire. Could we do a similar thing in our day? What kind of terms would you draw up for bringing someone into the gospel? Are we capable of bringing people into the family of God? Is that what Jesus wants us to do? If we were sent out today, what would we do?

i-2 Timothy 1:8 Do not be ashamed, then, of witnessing for our Lord; neither be ashamed of me, a prisoner for Christ's sake. Instead, take your part in suffering for the Good News, as God gives you the strength for it. 9 He saved us and called us to be his own people, not because of what we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace. He gave us this grace by means of Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

Daniel 9:24 “Seven times seventy years is the length of time God has set for freeing your people and your holy city from sin and evil. Sin will be forgiven and eternal justice established, so that the vision and the prophecy will come true, and the holy Temple[a] will be rededicated. 25 Note this and understand it: From the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem until God's chosen leader comes, seven times seven years will pass. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and strong defenses, and will stand for seven times sixty-two years, but this will be a time of troubles. 26 And at the end of that time God's chosen leader will be killed unjustly.[b] The city and the Temple will be destroyed by the invading army of a powerful ruler. The end will come like a flood, bringing the war and destruction which God has prepared. 27 That ruler will have a firm agreement with many people for seven years, and when half this time is past, he will put an end to sacrifices and offerings. The Awful Horror[c] will be placed on the highest point of the Temple and will remain there until the one who put it there meets the end which God has prepared for him.”

Isaiah 1:1 This book contains the messages about Judah and Jerusalem which God revealed to Isaiah son of Amoz during the time when Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah were kings of Judah.

God Reprimands His People

2 The LORD said, “Earth and sky, listen to what I am saying! The children I brought up have rebelled against me. 3 Cattle know who owns them, and donkeys know where their master feeds them. But that is more than my people Israel know. They don't understand at all.”

4 You are doomed, you sinful nation, you corrupt and evil people! Your sins drag you down! You have rejected the LORD, the holy God of Israel, and have turned your backs on him. 5 Why do you keep on rebelling? Do you want to be punished even more? Israel, your head is already covered with wounds, and your heart and mind are sick. 6 From head to foot there is not a healthy spot on your body. You are covered with bruises and sores and open wounds. Your wounds have not been cleaned or bandaged. No medicine has been put on them.

7 Your country has been devastated, and your cities have been burned to the ground. While you look on, foreigners take over your land and bring everything to ruin. 8 Jerusalem alone is left, a city under siege—as defenseless as a guard's hut in a vineyard or a shed in a cucumber field. 9 If the LORD Almighty had not let some of the people survive, Jerusalem would have been totally destroyed, just as Sodom and Gomorrah were.

10 Jerusalem, your rulers and your people are like those of Sodom and Gomorrah. Listen to what the LORD is saying to you. Pay attention to what our God is teaching you. 11 He says, “Do you think I want all these sacrifices you keep offering to me? I have had more than enough of the sheep you burn as sacrifices and of the fat of your fine animals. I am tired of the blood of bulls and sheep and goats. 12 Who asked you to bring me all this when you come to worship me? Who asked you to do all this tramping around in my Temple? 13 It's useless to bring your offerings. I am disgusted with the smell of the incense you burn. I cannot stand your New Moon Festivals, your Sabbaths, and your religious gatherings; they are all corrupted by your sins. 14 I hate your New Moon Festivals and holy days; they are a burden that I am tired of bearing.

Isa 42:The LORD says,

“Here is my servant, whom I strengthen—

the one I have chosen, with whom I am pleased.

I have filled him with my Spirit,

and he will bring justice to every nation.

2 He will not shout or raise his voice

or make loud speeches in the streets.

3 He will not break off a bent reed

nor put out a flickering lamp.

He will bring lasting justice to all.

4 He will not lose hope or courage;

he will establish justice on the earth.

Distant lands eagerly wait for his teaching.”

5 God created the heavens and stretched them out;

he fashioned the earth and all that lives there;

he gave life and breath to all its people.

And now the LORD God says to his servant,

6 “I, the LORD, have called you and given you power

to see that justice is done on earth.

Through you I will make a covenant with all peoples;

through you I will bring light to the nations.

7 You will open the eyes of the blind

and set free those who sit in dark prisons.

8 “I alone am the LORD your God.

No other god may share my glory;

I will not let idols share my praise.

9 The things I predicted have now come true.

Now I will tell you of new things

even before they begin to happen.”

Matthew 10:The Mission of the Twelve

5 These twelve men were sent out by Jesus with the following instructions: “Do not go to any Gentile territory or any Samaritan towns. 6 Instead, you are to go to the lost sheep of the people of Israel.

Luke 2:The Shepherds and the Angels

8 There were some shepherds in that part of the country who were spending the night in the fields, taking care of their flocks. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone over them. They were terribly afraid, 10 but the angel said to them, “Don't be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. 11 This very day in David's town your Savior was born—Christ the Lord! 12 And this is what will prove it to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great army of heaven's angels appeared with the angel, singing praises to God:

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!”

ii-Philippians 2:5 The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had:

6 He always had the nature of God,

but he did not think that by force he should try to remain[a] equal with God.

7 Instead of this, of his own free will he gave up all he had,

and took the nature of a servant.

He became like a human being

and appeared in human likeness.

8 He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death—

his death on the cross.

9 For this reason God raised him to the highest place above

and gave him the name that is greater than any other name.

10 And so, in honor of the name of Jesus

all beings in heaven, on earth, and in the world below[b]

will fall on their knees,

11 and all will openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

iii-Matthew 15:21 Jesus left that place and went off to the territory near the cities of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman who lived in that region came to him. “Son of David!” she cried out. “Have mercy on me, sir! My daughter has a demon and is in a terrible condition.”

23 But Jesus did not say a word to her. His disciples came to him and begged him, “Send her away! She is following us and making all this noise!”

24 Then Jesus replied, “I have been sent only to the lost sheep of the people of Israel.”

25 At this the woman came and fell at his feet. “Help me, sir!” she said.

26 Jesus answered, “It isn't right to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs.”

27 “That's true, sir,” she answered, “but even the dogs eat the leftovers that fall from their masters' table.”

28 So Jesus answered her, “You are a woman of great faith! What you want will be done for you.” And at that very moment her daughter was healed.

iv-Mark 5:1 Jesus and his disciples arrived on the other side of Lake Galilee, in the territory of Gerasa. 2 As soon as Jesus got out of the boat, he was met by a man who came out of the burial caves there. This man had an evil spirit in him 3 and lived among the tombs. Nobody could keep him tied with chains any more; 4 many times his feet and his hands had been tied, but every time he broke the chains and smashed the irons on his feet. He was too strong for anyone to control him. 5 Day and night he wandered among the tombs and through the hills, screaming and cutting himself with stones.

6 He was some distance away when he saw Jesus; so he ran, fell on his knees before him, 7 and screamed in a loud voice, “Jesus, Son of the Most High God! What do you want with me? For God's sake, I beg you, don't punish me!” (8 He said this because Jesus was saying, “Evil spirit, come out of this man!”)

9 So Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

The man answered, “My name is ‘Mob’—there are so many of us!” 10 And he kept begging Jesus not to send the evil spirits out of that region.

11 There was a large herd of pigs near by, feeding on a hillside. 12 So the spirits begged Jesus, “Send us to the pigs, and let us go into them.” 13 He let them go, and the evil spirits went out of the man and entered the pigs. The whole herd—about two thousand pigs in all—rushed down the side of the cliff into the lake and was drowned.

14 The men who had been taking care of the pigs ran away and spread the news in the town and among the farms. People went out to see what had happened, 15 and when they came to Jesus, they saw the man who used to have the mob of demons in him. He was sitting there, clothed and in his right mind; and they were all afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the man with the demons, and about the pigs.

17 So they asked Jesus to leave their territory.

18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had had the demons begged him, “Let me go with you!”

19 But Jesus would not let him. Instead, he told him, “Go back home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how kind he has been to you.”

20 So the man left and went all through the Ten Towns, telling what Jesus had done for him. And all who heard it were amazed.

v-Genesis 3:15 I will make you and the woman hate each other; her offspring and yours will always be enemies. Her offspring will crush your head, and you will bite her offspring's[a] heel.”

Isaiah 7:14 Well then, the Lord himself will give you a sign: a young woman[a] who is pregnant will have a son and will name him ‘Immanuel.’[b]

9:6 Good News Translation (GNT)

6 A child is born to us!

A son is given to us!

And he will be our ruler.

He will be called, “Wonderful[a] Counselor,”

“Mighty God,” “Eternal Father,”

“Prince of Peace.”

42:1The LORD says,

“Here is my servant, whom I strengthen—

the one I have chosen, with whom I am pleased.

I have filled him with my Spirit,

and he will bring justice to every nation.

2 He will not shout or raise his voice

or make loud speeches in the streets.

3 He will not break off a bent reed

nor put out a flickering lamp.

He will bring lasting justice to all.

4 He will not lose hope or courage;

he will establish justice on the earth.

Distant lands eagerly wait for his teaching.”

5 God created the heavens and stretched them out;

he fashioned the earth and all that lives there;

he gave life and breath to all its people.

And now the LORD God says to his servant,

6 “I, the LORD, have called you and given you power

to see that justice is done on earth.

Through you I will make a covenant with all peoples;

through you I will bring light to the nations.

7 You will open the eyes of the blind

and set free those who sit in dark prisons.

8 “I alone am the LORD your God.

No other god may share my glory;

I will not let idols share my praise.

9 The things I predicted have now come true.

Now I will tell you of new things

even before they begin to happen.”

53:1Good News Translation (GNT)

The people reply,

“Who would have believed what we now report?

Who could have seen the LORD's hand in this?

2 It was the will of the LORD that his servant

grow like a plant taking root in dry ground.

He had no dignity or beauty

to make us take notice of him.

There was nothing attractive about him,

nothing that would draw us to him.

3 We despised him and rejected him;

he endured suffering and pain.

No one would even look at him—

we ignored him as if he were nothing.

4 “But he endured the suffering that should have been ours,

the pain that we should have borne.

All the while we thought that his suffering

was punishment sent by God.

5 But because of our sins he was wounded,

beaten because of the evil we did.

We are healed by the punishment he suffered,

made whole by the blows he received.

6 All of us were like sheep that were lost,

each of us going his own way.

But the LORD made the punishment fall on him,

the punishment all of us deserved.

7 “He was treated harshly, but endured it humbly;

he never said a word.

Like a lamb about to be slaughtered,

like a sheep about to be sheared,

he never said a word.

8 He was arrested and sentenced and led off to die,

and no one cared about his fate.

He was put to death for the sins of our people.

9 He was placed in a grave with those who are evil,

he was buried with the rich,

even though he had never committed a crime

or ever told a lie.”

10 The LORD says,

“It was my will that he should suffer;

his death was a sacrifice to bring forgiveness.

And so he will see his descendants;

he will live a long life,

and through him my purpose will succeed.

11 After a life of suffering, he will again have joy;

he will know that he did not suffer in vain.

My devoted servant, with whom I am pleased,

will bear the punishment of many

and for his sake I will forgive them.

12 And so I will give him a place of honor,

a place among the great and powerful.

He willingly gave his life

and shared the fate of evil men.

He took the place of many sinners

and prayed that they might be forgiven.”[a]

61:The Good News of Deliverance

1 The Sovereign LORD has filled me with his Spirit.

He has chosen me and sent me

To bring good news to the poor,

To heal the broken-hearted,

To announce release to captives

And freedom to those in prison.

2 He has sent me to proclaim

That the time has come

When the LORD will save his people

And defeat their enemies.

He has sent me to comfort all who mourn,

Daniel 9:24 “Seven times seventy years is the length of time God has set for freeing your people and your holy city from sin and evil. Sin will be forgiven and eternal justice established, so that the vision and the prophecy will come true, and the holy Temple[a] will be rededicated. 25 Note this and understand it: From the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem until God's chosen leader comes, seven times seven years will pass. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and strong defenses, and will stand for seven times sixty-two years, but this will be a time of troubles. 26 And at the end of that time God's chosen leader will be killed unjustly.[b] The city and the Temple will be destroyed by the invading army of a powerful ruler. The end will come like a flood, bringing the war and destruction which God has prepared. 27 That ruler will have a firm agreement with many people for seven years, and when half this time is past, he will put an end to sacrifices and offerings. The Awful Horror[c] will be placed on the highest point of the Temple and will remain there until the one who put it there meets the end which God has prepared for him.”

Micah 5:2 The LORD says, “Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are one of the smallest towns in Judah, but out of you I will bring a ruler for Israel, whose family line goes back to ancient times.”

Zechariah 9:The Future King

9 Rejoice, rejoice, people of Zion!

Shout for joy, you people of Jerusalem!

Look, your king is coming to you!

He comes triumphant and victorious,

but humble and riding on a donkey—

on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

vi-Luke 2:The Shepherds and the Angels

8 There were some shepherds in that part of the country who were spending the night in the fields, taking care of their flocks. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone over them. They were terribly afraid, 10 but the angel said to them, “Don't be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. 11 This very day in David's town your Savior was born—Christ the Lord! 12 And this is what will prove it to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great army of heaven's angels appeared with the angel, singing praises to God:

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!”

Luke 2:25 At that time there was a man named Simeon living in Jerusalem. He was a good, God-fearing man and was waiting for Israel to be saved. The Holy Spirit was with him 26 and had assured him that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's promised Messiah. 27 Led by the Spirit, Simeon went into the Temple. When the parents brought the child Jesus into the Temple to do for him what the Law required, 28 Simeon took the child in his arms and gave thanks to God:

29 “Now, Lord, you have kept your promise,

and you may let your servant go in peace.

30 With my own eyes I have seen your salvation,

31     which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples:

32 A light to reveal your will to the Gentiles

and bring glory to your people Israel.”

33 The child's father and mother were amazed at the things Simeon said about him.

Luke 3:3 So John went throughout the whole territory of the Jordan River, preaching, “Turn away from your sins and be baptized, and God will forgive your sins.” 4 As it is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah:

“Someone is shouting in the desert:

‘Get the road ready for the Lord;

make a straight path for him to travel!

5 Every valley must be filled up,

every hill and mountain leveled off.

The winding roads must be made straight,

and the rough paths made smooth.

6 The whole human race will see God's salvation!’”

John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “There is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

vii-Matthew 10:5 These twelve men were sent out by Jesus with the following instructions: “Do not go to any Gentile territory or any Samaritan towns. 6 Instead, you are to go to the lost sheep of the people of Israel.

Matthew 15:24 Then Jesus replied, “I have been sent only to the lost sheep of the people of Israel.”

Matthew 28:19 Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 20 and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.”

Acts 1:8 But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

viii-John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “There is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

ix-Matthew 5:13 “You are like salt for the whole human race. But if salt loses its saltiness, there is no way to make it salty again. It has become worthless, so it is thrown out and people trample on it.

14 “You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.

Mark 14:9 Now, I assure you that wherever the gospel is preached all over the world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”

Luke 14:10 Instead, when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that your host will come to you and say, ‘Come on up, my friend, to a better place.’ This will bring you honor in the presence of all the other guests. 11 For those who make themselves great will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be made great.”

12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your rich neighbors—for they will invite you back, and in this way you will be paid for what you did. 13 When you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind; 14 and you will be blessed, because they are not able to pay you back. God will repay you on the day the good people rise from death.”

The Parable of the Great Feast

15 When one of the guests sitting at the table heard this, he said to Jesus, “How happy are those who will sit down at the feast in the Kingdom of God!” 16 Jesus said to him, “There was once a man who was giving a great feast to which he invited many people. 17 When it was time for the feast, he sent his servant to tell his guests, ‘Come, everything is ready!’ 18 But they all began, one after another, to make excuses. The first one told the servant, ‘I have bought a field and must go and look at it; please accept my apologies.’ 19 Another one said, ‘I have bought five pairs of oxen and am on my way to try them out; please accept my apologies.’ 20 Another one said, ‘I have just gotten married, and for that reason I cannot come.’ 21 The servant went back and told all this to his master. The master was furious and said to his servant, ‘Hurry out to the streets and alleys of the town, and bring back the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ 22 Soon the servant said, ‘Your order has been carried out, sir, but there is room for more.’ 23 So the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the country roads and lanes and make people come in, so that my house will be full. 24 I tell you all that none of those who were invited will taste my dinner!’”

Matthew 13:36 When Jesus had left the crowd and gone indoors, his disciples came to him and said, “Tell us what the parable about the weeds in the field means.” 37 Jesus answered, “The man who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man; 38 the field is the world; the good seed is the people who belong to the Kingdom; the weeds are the people who belong to the Evil One; 39 and the enemy who sowed the weeds is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvest workers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are gathered up and burned in the fire, so the same thing will happen at the end of the age: 41 the Son of Man will send out his angels to gather up out of his Kingdom all those who cause people to sin and all others who do evil things, 42 and they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where they will cry and gnash their teeth. 43 [a]Then God's people will shine like the sun in their Father's Kingdom. Listen, then, if you have ears!

x-Matthew 28:16 The eleven disciples went to the hill in Galilee where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, even though some of them doubted. 18 Jesus drew near and said to them, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 20 and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.”

Mark 16:14 Last of all, Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating. He scolded them, because they did not have faith and because they were too stubborn to believe those who had seen him alive. 15 He said to them, “Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all people. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.

John 20:19 It was late that Sunday evening, and the disciples were gathered together behind locked doors, because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities. Then Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 20 After saying this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy at seeing the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I send you.” 22 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive people's sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

John 21:15 After they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these others do?”

“Yes, Lord,” he answered, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said to him, “Take care of my lambs.” 16 A second time Jesus said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

“Yes, Lord,” he answered, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said to him, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 A third time Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter became sad because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” and so he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you!”

Acts 1:6 When the apostles met together with Jesus, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time give the Kingdom back to Israel?”

7 Jesus said to them, “The times and occasions are set by my Father's own authority, and it is not for you to know when they will be. 8 But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After saying this, he was taken up to heaven as they watched him, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

xi-Acts 17:6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city authorities and shouted, “These men have caused trouble everywhere! Now they have come to our city,

xii-Matthew 24:39 yet they did not realize what was happening until the flood came and swept them all away. That is how it will be when the Son of Man comes.

xiii-2 Corinthians 5:14 We are ruled by the love of Christ, now that we recognize that one man died for everyone, which means that they all share in his death.

xiv-2 Corinthians 5:18 All this is done by God, who through Christ changed us from enemies into his friends and gave us the task of making others his friends also.

xv-Matthew 9:35 Jesus went around visiting all the towns and villages. He taught in the synagogues, preached the Good News about the Kingdom, and healed people with every kind of disease and sickness. 36 As he saw the crowds, his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were worried and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

xvi-Isaiah 42:1 The LORD says,

“Here is my servant, whom I strengthen—

the one I have chosen, with whom I am pleased.

I have filled him with my Spirit,

and he will bring justice to every nation.

2 He will not shout or raise his voice

or make loud speeches in the streets.

3 He will not break off a bent reed

nor put out a flickering lamp.

He will bring lasting justice to all.

4 He will not lose hope or courage;

he will establish justice on the earth.

Distant lands eagerly wait for his teaching.”

5 God created the heavens and stretched them out;

he fashioned the earth and all that lives there;

he gave life and breath to all its people.

And now the LORD God says to his servant,

6 “I, the LORD, have called you and given you power

to see that justice is done on earth.

Through you I will make a covenant with all peoples;

through you I will bring light to the nations.

7 You will open the eyes of the blind

and set free those who sit in dark prisons.

8 “I alone am the LORD your God.

No other god may share my glory;

I will not let idols share my praise.

9 The things I predicted have now come true.

Now I will tell you of new things

even before they begin to happen.”

xvii-Luke 4:

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives

and recovery of sight to the blind,

to set free the oppressed

19     and announce that the time has come

when the Lord will save his people.”

20 Jesus rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. All the people in the synagogue had their eyes fixed on him, 21 as he said to them, “This passage of scripture has come true today, as you heard it being read.”

xviii-Matthew 10:7 Go and preach, ‘The Kingdom of heaven is near!’ 8 Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, heal those who suffer from dreaded skin diseases, and drive out demons. You have received without paying, so give without being paid.

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