The Church’s Mission to the World

Prepared by Rev. Alimoni Taumoepeau. Find the full versions at www.insights.uca.org.au

SUNDAY 4 JUNE

Trinity Sunday/Reconciliation Week

Matthew 28:16-20

This week we recognise the doctrine of the Trinity: One God in three persons. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We also celebrate Reconciliation this week. In our story, this is the first time Jesus met his disciples after they were scattered before he went to the cross. After rising from the dead, he told them through Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to meet him in Galilee. Our reading is made known as ‘The Great Commission’. This is a complex doctrine to talk about in this reflection. What’s important, is the CrucifiedRisen Christ gathered the people of God to God-self through the authority of God’s communion love. It is out of this, you and I are called to go out to all nations and reconcile all men, women and children to God.

We can do that in a number of ways: Through worship, witness and service. In what ways you could show to others the trinitarian nature of God? How could you as a Christian seek to reconcile others to God this week?

SUNDAY 11 JUNE

Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

At Pentecost, it marks the beginning of the Christian church’s mission in and to all the world. This is post-resurrection, therefore our task is to respond to God’s call on our lives to be a transforming agent for the kingdom of God.

The calling of Matthew, the tax collector shows how Jesus calls men and women to use their gifts.

In a dinner party, Matthew invites his tax collector and business friends to meet Jesus and the disciples. This is evangelism at its best: Inviting our family, friends, workmates, and neighbours to meet with Jesus. The story of a leader of a synagogue coming to Jesus claiming it’s only him who can raise her from the dead is an interesting one. Do we have such faith in God, he can do unimaginable things in life? What can you trust God for today?

SUNDAY 18 JUNE

Matthew 9:35-10:8

When we talk about the mission for God, we often fall short in those who can go out and do the work God is calling the church to do in our community and in the world. Jesus gave us a model of how to get people to involve in God’s mission: Firstly, To pray for them. When we pray, we ought to be open to God calling us to be his answer prayer to be God’s mission agent to the world. Secondly, to teach them the work of mission. Jesus taught his followers by showing them what to do when you are on a mission. He then sent them out with some direction to experience what it likes to be in mission. They will learn from their mistakes and nurture their gifts and strengths. In the church, we must do these tasks in order to build disciples.

SUNDAY 25 JUNE

Matthew 10:24-39

The mission of God is not an easy task. In many way, we will be challenged from every side and for many, that is why they at times are afraid to response to God’s call, let alone being faithful in mission. What Jesus shared here is to encourage us to be faithful to our call with these three words: “Don’t be afraid.”

Jesus knew, as he had experienced himself, that there are many things to be afraid of, and he encourages us not to be afraid.

What are you afraid of in your journey of faith today? God is saying to you and me, ‘Don’t be afraid.’