When you hear the word “mission,” what comes to mind? Many picture distant lands, foreign cultures, and courageous individuals spreading the Gospel. While global missions matter, the true essence of our mission as Christ followers is often closer to home than we realize.
In Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus commissions His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations.” The original Greek suggests “as you are going,” emphasizing that mission isn’t reserved for trips abroad—it’s about being intentional wherever life takes us. Workplaces, neighborhoods, grocery stores—these are mission fields just as much as remote villages overseas.
The Great Commission has too often become the Great Omission. We acknowledge it—but how often do we act on it?
This truth is echoed in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). When asked, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus flips the expectation. Our neighbor isn’t just the person next door or someone we like—it’s anyone in need. The Samaritan didn’t just feel compassion; he acted. He crossed cultural boundaries, inconvenienced himself, and ensured the injured man was cared for. How many times have we, like the priest or Levite, passed by opportunities to help?
Our mission calls us to move beyond belief into action. James 2:19 reminds us that even demons believe. Discipleship means putting faith into motion—feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, and caring for the vulnerable. Small acts—like a kind word, a meal, or a listening ear—can reflect the love of Christ in powerful ways.
Yet, barriers often stand in the way. Unexamined prejudices, fear of inconvenience, or feelings of inadequacy can hold us back. But Jesus didn’t call us to comfort—He called us to compassion. Mission is messy, challenging, and sometimes uncomfortable. But we aren’t left to figure it out on our own. Christ promised, “I am with you always,” and through the Holy Spirit, we are equipped to do what seems impossible.
The practice of communion serves as a powerful reminder of our mission. When we partake of the bread and cup, we’re not just going through the motions of a religious ritual. We’re symbolically taking Christ into ourselves, committing to become more like Him. It’s more than a ritual—it’s a reminder of the sacrificial love that fuels our mission. Each time we receive the bread and cup, we’re re-centering our lives on Christ, committing again to live like Him: serving, loving, and going.
So, where is your mission field? It might be across the world—or across the street. The question isn’t if you’re called, but how you’ll respond. Will you walk past or answer your call?
God doesn’t need our perfection—He desires our obedience. The world doesn’t need more people who believe; it needs more disciples who act.
Let’s not allow the Great Commission to become the Great Omission. There are people waiting for someone to show them Christ’s love. Will that someone be you?