Wrong first thought

Travis Frampton makes the point that missions needs to happen right in our own homes, and in our churches. Studying Matthew 9:35-38; 10:5-14,26-31, notice that Jesus went first into the Jewish synagogues, then in verse 36, Jesus saw, and then he felt. In verse 37, he spoke about prayer to send out workers, and then in 10:5, he sent the disciples out to the lost sheep of Israel.

Jesus’ prayer request was for the Lord of the harvest to send people out to “Take part in missions”. Genuine missionaries see the needs of, and have compassion for the lost, particularly those in our own families, our friends, work associates, and those that worship with us.

This wasn’t my first thought on missions. How about you? What is the first thought of your class members when they hear the word missions? Asking this question might be a good way to start this lesson. It would set up the discussion of our need to first follow Jesus, and walk in the light as he is in the light.

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