Lesson Four: The message of the "Life of Jesus"

Intro: Today and next week we will discuss God's ultimate motivation for motivating the work of missions = Jesus. Today we will look at Jesus' life.

1. The words of Jesus motivate us to do missions.

• The first "public" words of Jesus were about missions. Matt. 4:17-19

• Jesus began His ministry doing missions. Ref Matt 4:17

• The first men He called was about doing missions. Ref. Matt. 4:18

• The primary reason to follow Jesus is to do missions. Ref. Matt:419

• The words of Jesus compel us to do missions. Luke 14:23; Mk 16:15; John 4:35; 9:4

2. The example of Jesus' life motivates us to do missions.

• Jesus chose the life that enabled Him to do missions. Luke 2:49

• He chose not to be distracted by this world. Luke 9:56-58

• He chose to give His life for the Father's will = missions. John 3:16; 10:18; Luke 22:42

3. The passion and compassion of Jesus' life motivated us. Matt. 9:35-38

• The life of Jesus was involved in reaching people. V35

• Matt chapter nine is one day in the exciting life of Jesus:

- Jesus is on the way to heal a man's daughter. Ref v18-19

- Jesus heals a woman who touched His garment. Ref v20-22

- Jesus raises the girl from the dead. Ref v25

- Jesus heals two blind men. Ref v27-29

- Jesus casts out a demon so a man could speak. Ref v32-33

• Jesus saw the People and was moved with compassion. V36

• Jesus saw the need for missions. 37= the harvest

• Jesus told the disciples to do something about it = missions v38

Conclusion: Certainly the words and life of Jesus motivate us to do missions!