31 July 2026
John’s call to support gospel workers is rooted in something far greater than duty. It is rooted in the gospel itself. Mark Penrith reminds us, “Without the gospel, this is nothing more than a heavy, moralistic weight. Without the cross, hospitality is reduced to a burdensome law.” Everything changes when we remember what Christ has done for us. As Jesus said to His disciples, “As the Father has sent me, I also send you” (John 20:21, CSB). Before we think about our mission, we must first behold the One who was sent for us.
Jesus is the ultimate Sent One. He willingly left the glory of heaven to rescue sinners who could never rescue themselves. Mark says, “Jesus, the ultimate Sent One, emptied Himself. He left the glory of heaven and came into a world that rejected Him.” He continues, “He faced proud, self seeking men. He was slandered. He was opposed. He was nailed to a Roman cross. He died for our selfish, self exalting hearts. But God raised Him from the dead! Jesus lives!” Paul’s words echo this glorious truth, “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even to death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8, CSB).
The cross exposes our pride and transforms our hearts. Mark observes, “Diotrephes wanted first place. Jesus took the lowest place.” What selfish ambition could never produce, God’s grace accomplishes. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we are welcomed into God’s family and empowered to live differently. Mark says, “The death and resurrection of Jesus transforms this ethical call into empowered, Spirit driven participation in Christ’s mission.” We no longer serve to earn God’s favour. We serve because we have already received it through Christ.
Today, spend time thanking the Lord Jesus for His costly sacrifice before asking how you can serve His mission this week. Open your heart, your home, and your resources because He first welcomed you. Talk as a family about one practical way you can show Christ’s welcome to someone this month. Mark reminds us, “Because Christ welcomed us when we were enemies, we now joyfully open our hearts, our homes, our wallets to support those who go out for the sake of the Name.” Our generosity is simply a grateful response to His amazing grace.
How does Christ’s sacrifice motivate your own generosity?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for leaving heaven to save me. Fill my heart with gratitude for Your grace. Help me to joyfully use my life and my resources to support Your mission and make Your name known. Amen.