WHY Missions?

Christian missionaries head to their communities, and to other communities, even in other lands, to tell people the amazing story of God entering a world to save people. Even in that little phrase, there is a story of death, or impending judgement, but a rescue mission of love. At the heart of the 'telling' is the Son of God, Jesus. Without mentioning His name and His work, His words and His offer to humanity, there is no mission.

Who does Jesus think He is to be so important? We're studying John 6 at the moment in our church, and Jesus' words are striking. "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever." (verse 51) His claim isn't to be a guide, or a great moral teacher, but to be MUCH more than that. He offers life after death. To get that life, you need Jesus. 

Why is belief in Jesus so important? Again, the words of Jesus, in verse 40. "For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day." Missions happen because people need to know about and follow Jesus. To believe in Jesus is learn from Him, believe what He says is true, and do what He says. Then they will have a life with Him after death.

Where else can you go? Following Jesus is hard. People can think you mad for living your life according to a man who lived so long ago, but if Jesus is who He claims to be, God the Son, then that changes everything. When God enters our world to save people, we need to listen to find out why we are in danger and what needs to be done, how we can escape the danger. That's when Missions happen. That's why Jesus is central to Missions. He is the bread of missions.