Scripture: And Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
We often think that missionaries are a special class of Jesus-followers. They’re the ones who give up their lives and go to remote places in order to evangelize. But you don’t have to go halfway around the world to be a missionary. In fact, Jesus calls on each of us to be everyday missionaries, making disciples right where we are. Each of us, when we are called by God to follow Jesus, are called up into God’s mission to make disciples—inviting our neighbors to church, praying for our unbelieving family members, serving our communities in love, being diligent and faithful in our work, acting and speaking with integrity. What does being an everyday missionary look like for you?
Prayer: Jesus, you are the true king of heaven and earth. Nothing is outside your view. You knew me from before I was born and you have a place for me in your Father’s house. But Lord, you also call me to your mission. Your commandment to go and make disciples is for me. O Lord, this is a tall order. Help me to see and act even today for your mission. Help me to see the ways in which I can live my life as an everyday missionary. Amen.