As we near the end of Matthew chapter 10 we encounter some of the more hard hitting instructions of Jesus to his disciples, as he not only gives comfort to them about how precious and important they are to God (hairs of their heads are all numbered), but also addresses the difficult complexities of families, mission and following him. Jesus does not hide the fact that following him can create relationship changes in families where they can become divided and torn apart. With such situations like this it can be understood why some followers of Jesus might start to think twice about the risks and blessings of following the Lord.
But Jesus offers comfort in these situations by reminding us that suffering with him and taking up our cross is about giving up our life as we receive his life. In our faith walk, our crosses are our various pains, struggles, early traumas and hurts; things we may have carried with us for a long time. But rather than those crosses simply being or burdens that serve no purpose, God uses those crosses to help us become ‘wounded healers’ to others. This is where our old pain and hurts can be instruments of mission to reach others for Christ. For all people have the scratches, cuts and scars of living in this broken world, and all deep down long for a God to soothe their pain and wipe away their tears. As God’s children in your missional circles to visit and connect with families, neighbours, work colleagues and friends you have something to offer the broken; not just your wounds and hurts but the hope you have in Jesus who can do something about those wounds.
So the next time you think you haven’t got what is needed for mission, or you are too anxious about what to say or do, just gently befriend a stranger in love and listen to their story and pray for God to make openings in conversation and be prepared to show vulnerability and humility. We don’t have it all together as Christians and we aren’t perfect, but we have Jesus who not only shoulders our burdens, forgives our sins but also makes those thorns and crosses we carry to be used in loving service and mission through the Spirit.
Pastor Matt
