We're driving to Philadelphia today to spend the weekend with several members of our team. Most of them are moving to Philly from various parts of the country. We're all missionaries. And our task has me thinking more and more about Jesus, who happened to be the greatest missionary of all time.
Jesus moved into a very different, sinful culture. Heaven to earth--that's a big move! There has never been a missionary who experienced a bigger cultural transition than Jesus.
Second, Jesus immersed himself in that culture. Jesus didn't learn about sinners from a distance. He shared life with them. He ate with them. He learned their language by attending their parties. He befriended real people.
Third, Jesus was able to truly befriend people without ever sinning a single time. He never condoned sin or participated in it. He didn't lose his flavor or blend in. He taught the Scripture and modeled the Kingdom of God in a radically counter-cultural way.
And then, before he finished his missionary assignment, he sent his disciples to do the same type of missionary work. As the father has sent me, even so I am sending you (John 20.21).
I feel honored to move to Philadelphia to be a missionary like Jesus!
What about you? In the context God has called you to, are you a resident or a missionary?
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