For 40 Days – Day 34: Mission Prep: Conclusions

Key Episode Scripture: Matthew 3-4 and Luke 3-4

I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose. (Luke 4:43 ESVUK)

No one fulfilled God’s mission like the Son of God. No one gives a better insight into delivering the message, mission, and ministry of the Kingdom of God like the King. This is why it’s worth our time, considering how He prepared and, indeed, was prepared for the mission. We’ve considered it in its context, outlined the content of the preparation stages, and previously explored some fascinating concepts. From this, I have four points of conclusion to share.

Prepared from Affirmation

There are few things more valuable than affirmation from Father God. Consider what’s involved. This is the Creator of the universe. This is the Father of all mankind. This is the Sovereign ruler of all. An affirmation from this source and the authority it has is the greatest base from which to do all missions. This affirmation comes from relationship. This affirmation comes from the heart of connection, and from that flows everything else required to do ministry and mission. This affirmation is also crucial as the mission is extended to others.

Prepared for Opposition

Opposition, resistance, and temptation were crucial in the preparation stages of the mission. Jesus’ encounter with the devil worked wonders for what He was about to face. The example of how Jesus depended on knowing the word of His Father influences and shapes our own engagement with the forces that oppose, resist, and tempt us. It should come as no surprise that these things come, and we can view them as actually helping us ground ourselves in God’s Word and pursue God’s Way.

Prepared in Power

Even the Son of God operated from the power that God supplied. The authority in which He served – and He exercised His power to serve rather than show off or impose Himself on people – was based on the Spirit and from the relationship with the Father flowed the empowerment from the presence of the Holy Spirit. This power saw the defeat of evil spiritual forces as they submitted to the greater power. This power saw sickness depart as the rule of God was expressed in healing and wholeness. This power, however, was also on display to point people to repenting and embracing God’s rule.

Prepared on Purpose

Jesus knew who He was and what He was here for. Episodes and incidents in the preparation stages expressed and reinforced this. It can be very easy to be overwhelmed by events, distracted by them, and see them as negative things. We can. However, follow the example of the King and trust God to see these as opportunities to remind and reinforce. Remind ourselves of the One who sent us. Reinforce the reason for which we are sent – to declare and demonstrate the good news of the Kingdom.

Next, we will see the consequences for those of us who are called to God’s mission when we examine Jesus’ Mission Prep.

For His Name’s Sake

C. L. J. Dryden

Shalom