The gospel means good news.
The rightful, righteous, benevolent King of all creation has returned to restore peace out of chaos, to bring life out of death, to shine light to dispel all darkness, to execute justice, and to cause his creation to prosper once again. And you have an honored and unique role to play in his new kingdom as his own son/daughter!
Now that’s really good news!
Jesus directs us to make this news known to the whole world.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
Matthew 28:19-20 is known as the Great Commission. Jesus commissioned his disciples (that means you) to a global task. Every ethnic group in every language is the object of his love. No nation is beyond the reach of his grace.
Here is how it works.
It begins with people. Because of our sins, the world was plunged into chaos and death, violence and evil, darkness and fear. When God touches and transforms the life of individuals, they become his agents of light to bring his kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. It is people who are called by his name that God will use to restore all things.
Jesus not only taught about the kingdom of heaven but also showed its nature and culture of love and power. Following the examples of Jesus, we are to proclaim the gospel not only by declaring the truth about Jesus and God’s salvation in Christ but also by demonstrating his love, truth, and goodness.
God has made you ambassadors for Christ, as though making his plea through you to the world to be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20). He has also made you the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14) because you are now children of light in the Lord (Ephesians 5:8). Jesus also said to “let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
In other words, not only you carry the gospel but also you are the good news the world sees. That is why Paul admonishes us to live in a way worthy of God and his calling (1 Thessalonians 2:12; Ephesians 4:1).
People are hurting without hope. They are living without peace. They are looking for love in all the wrong places. When they learn that you believe in Jesus, they are watching you closely to see if your God is real and if his love is true.
Meditate on the following teaching of Jesus in light of the Great Commission.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you falsely on account of me. Rejoice and be glad, because your reward is great in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.” – Matthew 5:3-11