JP68: Gathered To Go: Embracing the Mission of Jesus

In May 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, alerted us to the unsettling reality that loneliness has become an epidemic in the United States. The American Psychiatric Association’s research revealed that one-third of Americans experience loneliness at least once a week, with ten percent saying they experience loneliness every day.*

With increasing numbers of people experiencing loneliness, is it time for the church to shift its strategy and implement Jesus’ timeless method for extending love to our neighbors? This is how Matthew recorded the world-transforming training in his gospel:

These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9 Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town. (Matthew 10:5–15)

Jesus gives His disciples clear instructions to go out, not to gather people into large crowds, but to bring the Kingdom of God to those they meet along the way. It’s a passage that radically redefines what it means to follow Jesus. In our modern context, where so much of church life revolves around Sunday services, this text has a profound challenge for both pastors and congregations. The passage calls us to a missional lifestyle—one where we are sent out into the world to incorporate loving our neighbors into our life routines rather than only gathering in a building once a week.

The Sending of the Twelve

Jesus begins by sending out the twelve disciples, saying, "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel" (v. 5-6). At this moment, the mission is specific and focused. There will come a time for the Gentiles and Samaritans, but for now, Jesus sends His disciples to the people of Israel.

This teaches an important principle: Jesus's mission starts where we are. The disciples are first sent to their own people, their own communities. Today, pastors and church members often focus their energy on making the Sunday service an attraction, a place where people come to encounter God. But Jesus models something different here—He sends His followers out, not to wait for people to come to them.

Preach the Kingdom, Not Ourselves

Jesus tells His disciples to preach, "The kingdom of heaven has come near" (v. 7). This is the core message. It’s not about promoting a brand of church, a denomination, or a pastor’s platform. It’s about proclaiming the reality of God’s kingdom breaking into the world through Jesus Christ. The disciples’ mission was simple: point people to the reign of God, to the hope, justice, and salvation that only God can bring.

For pastors, this is a reminder that our calling is not to build a crowd but to equip and send people into their neighborhoods, workplaces, and social circles to embody the Kingdom of God. Sunday gatherings should not be an event where people gather for a spiritual performance. It should be a launching pad where followers of Jesus are sent out as ambassadors of Christ - through intentional, hands-on training and equipping.

Freely You Have Received, Freely Give

Jesus continues, "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give" (v. 8). The disciples are sent with a mandate to bring transformation wherever they go not just through words, but through actions. They are called to meet the real needs of the people they encounter. This passage challenges us to rethink the church’s role in society. Are we meeting the real needs of those around us? Are we showing the love of Christ in tangible ways? Or have we become content with programs that serve our interests?

Pastors must lead by example in this. A church that exists only for the spiritual consumption of its members has lost sight of Jesus’ mission. The call is to give freely—our time, resources, and love—just as we have freely received grace from God.

Travel Light: Depend on God, Not Resources

Jesus also tells His disciples, "Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts—no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep" (v. 9-10). This is a striking command.

Jesus instructs His followers to trust in God’s provision rather than relying on their own resources. This approach runs counter to the way we often approach ministry today. We tend to think we need the right buildings, budgets, and programs before we can effectively minister to people.

I recently saw a church’s new building nearing completion, and some members were reflecting on social media about how they were in tears and getting emotional. Why are we moved to emotion when buildings are erected?  

Jesus’ command is clear: go now, as you are. Don’t wait until you have everything figured out. The mission isn’t about our comfort or security; it’s about trusting God to provide what we need along the way.

For pastors and leaders, this is a call to simplify ministry and focus on the essentials. Are we so busy maintaining our buildings, programs, and financial goals that we’ve neglected the actual mission? Jesus challenges us to walk in faith, depending on Him as we go out into the world.

Shake the Dust Off Your Feet

Lastly, Jesus warns His disciples that not everyone will welcome them: "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet" (v. 14). Jesus is preparing His followers for rejection, reminding them that their mission will not always be easy or successful by worldly standards. But the point isn’t to keep score of successes and failures; the point is to be faithful to the mission.

For pastors, this is an important reminder. Ministry is not about how many people show up on Sunday or how big the church grows. It’s about faithfulness to God's call. We’re not responsible for how people respond to the message—we’re responsible for being obedient to the sending.

A Missional Shift

Jesus calls both pastors and congregants to a radical shift. Rather than centering our faith around Sunday gatherings, we are called to embrace the mission of Jesus: to go out and bring the Kingdom of God to others. The church must become more than a place to gather; it must be a movement that sends out disciples to transform the world. The question we must ask ourselves is not, "How many people came to church this week?" but, "How many were sent out to live as disciples of Jesus?"

*https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/new-apa-poll-one-in-three-americans-feels-lonely-e

Photo by ActionVance on Unsplash

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Questions for Application:

1. What needs to change in order to love your neighbors as a lifestyle?
2. Does your church have a plan to train and equip every follower of Jesus to have conversations with friends, neighbors, coworkers, and classmates?  How might the Holy Spirit inspire you to set the example?
3. How can we learn to travel light and not rely on big budgets to love the lonely?