“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Christ said, “I came into this world for one reason — to reach and save lost souls!” Yet this was not the mission of Jesus only; he also made it our mission. “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature’” (Mark 16:15).
Jesus was speaking here to a small band of believers — about 120 people — who had gathered in the Upper Room. Think about what an impossible task he laid before them. At that time, Rome ruled the world and Jesus was commanding his followers, “Go to Rome and tell proud, egotistical Caesar there can be no king before me. I rule over all creation! And go to Athens, where paganism rules, and preach that I am the only way. Go everywhere that philosophies, ancient religions, false gods and superstitions rule — and preach my cross and resurrection.
“On top of this, go to foreign nations, live with the people and study their languages. Lay hands on the sick, cast out devils, proclaim the good news. Preach the power and victory of the risen savior!”
This was an extraordinary challenge. Remember, Jesus was talking to ordinary, insignificant, uneducated men and women. He was placing the very future of his Church on their shoulders. I imagine that little group of believers felt overwhelmed, wondering how the Lord expected them to fulfill this impossible mission.
Our challenge today is just as daunting. The Bible tells us that each succeeding generation grows worse and worse and that is not hard to see. But Jesus’ words to his helpless disciples apply to us today: “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). Offer yourself to the Holy Spirit right now and trust in his guidance and power to do the miraculous through you!