In what ways can we apply Jesus' directive to our own communities? Setting the Scene “Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.” (Matthew 10:6) Jesus sends the Twelve with clarity: locate the people who once belonged to God’s fold but have drifted. That same heartbeat pulses for us today. Who Are the “Lost Sheep” Around Us? • Believers who have slipped out of fellowship • Neighbors raised with Christian influence yet never personally surrendered to Christ • People bruised by church hurt, now wandering spiritually • Younger generations unfamiliar with Scripture but still bearing God’s image and hunger Principles We Carry Forward • Go, don’t wait – the verb is active (Matthew 28:19) • Focus on relationship, not mere statistics (Luke 15:4–6) • Keep the message clear: “The kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 10:7) • Depend on God’s provision more than our resources (Matthew 10:9–10) Practical Steps in Our Communities 1. Map the “fold” – List friends or family who once walked closely with Jesus. – Pray their names aloud; ask the Spirit to soften hearts (Romans 10:1). 2. Re-enter their world – Coffee invitations, game nights, shared hobbies. – Show genuine interest before sharing counsel (Proverbs 18:13). 3. Speak the gospel naturally – Simple testimony: what Christ has done this week. – Use everyday language, yet stay anchored in Scripture (Colossians 4:5-6). 4. Offer tangible care – Meals, babysitting, hospital visits reflect Jesus’ compassion (Matthew 9:36). – Service opens ears to truth (Galatians 5:13). 5. Invite back into biblical community – Small groups, home Bible studies, Sunday worship. – Celebrate every step toward the Shepherd (Luke 15:7). Guardrails for the Journey • Maintain purity of the message—avoid adding to or trimming down Scripture (2 Timothy 4:2). • Rely on the Spirit’s power, not persuasion techniques (Acts 1:8). • Prepare for rejection yet keep moving (Matthew 10:14). Encouragement from Related Passages • John 10:14 – “I am the good shepherd.” He still knows His sheep by name. • 1 Peter 2:25 – “For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned…” • Isaiah 40:11 – He “gathers the lambs in His arms”; we mirror that gentleness. Walking It Out This Week • Choose one “lost sheep” God brings to mind. • Reach out within 24 hours—text, call, doorstep visit. • Pray daily for that person and watch for God-given openings. Jesus’ directive in Matthew 10:6 is not a relic; it’s our marching order. The Shepherd still seeks, and He chooses to send us. |
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