The most significant activity instituted by Jesus was the preaching of the gospel to all nations. The gospel entailed the proclamation of the forthcoming Kingdom of Heaven, intended to establish a new civilization under Christ’s rule. Those who believed in this gospel were to be baptized and granted the Holy Spirit, which would entitle them to become God’s children. The condition for receiving the Holy Spirit was obedience to everything commanded by Jesus. However, Jesus did not set a specific timeframe for when He would establish that Kingdom after incapacitating Satan (Revelation 20:3-7).
The millennium rule by Jesus demonstrates that He will not be the sole governing authority. The Saints, consisting of all those baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, will govern alongside Him. The Saints will be celestial beings, just as Jesus will return as a celestial being during His second coming. The rest of humanity will remain physical, subject to God’s judgment. It is conceivable that Jesus could govern without physical beings, with the assistance of angels. However, the plan is for Him to govern with those He refers to as His brothers—the fellow human beings.
The mission of redeeming humanity was never assigned to one individual. Jesus was the first to receive this assignment. However, He made it clear from the beginning that He would train disciples who were expected to emulate Him, especially after His departure. The original group entrusted with the duty to spread the gospel consisted of the twelve disciples. Jesus dedicated the entire Chapter 17 of the Book of John, praying for the disciples. Additionally, He prayed for those who would come after His departure. Therefore, it is imperative for individuals who wish to engage in Jesus’ mission to comprehend fully what it encompasses.
“I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. For I have given to them the words which You have given Me, and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me. I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours, And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.
“While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept, and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth” (John 17:6-19 NKJV).
This underscores the significance of the mission of Jesus’ disciples, whose assignment could not be combined with any other. They were to be fully committed to preaching the gospel. Jesus prayed for them, understanding the magnitude of that responsibility. They were expected to dedicate themselves to disseminating the gospel without becoming entangled in other activities. He prayed for the disciples after first praying for Himself. Furthermore, He later prayed for those who would be brought into Christianity as a result of the disciples’ efforts. Through that prayer, Jesus’ mission systematically became a corporate endeavour.
They were expected to undertake this mission after receiving the Holy Spirit. Those disciples, distinguished as God’s children, had forsaken everything to follow Christ. They would not conform to worldly behaviour, but would instead dedicate themselves to emulating the activities of Jesus. Just as Jesus was the Son of God, they too would be the children of God. They would be regarded as peculiar, just as Jesus was, having abandoned their business pursuits to devote themselves to preaching the gospel. Identifying such individuals in our present time is the most important enterprise. Jesus did not take such a responsibility lightly, committing them full-time to the gospel.
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first” (Matthew 19:23-29 NKJV).
Jesus’ pronouncement provides a clear job description of the significance of doing God’s work. A person cannot become a Christian and be committed to other activities simultaneously. The disciples were persuaded to leave their businesses to follow Christ. Christianity was to be modelled according to the commitment expected, as delineated for the original apostles.
Jesus made this statement after conversing with a young rich man who intended to follow Him. Jesus specifically told him to go and sell everything he had before he could follow Him. Upon rejecting that offer, Jesus then declared the requirement for those intending to be His disciples. Peter’s question implies that the disciples were not yet aware of the significance of becoming Jesus’ followers.
After expressing His agreement with them, Jesus outlined that while things were impossible with men, nothing is impossible with God. The disciples candidly declared that the standard was too high to be attractive to anyone. As a great teacher, Jesus assured them that the reward was higher. They would occupy positions of authority at His second coming.
However, the greatest assurance to those willing was attaining eternal life. The interesting aspect of His declaration is that the first shall be last and the last shall be first. This is as profound as consulting the understanding of the principle of humility. This confirms that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
None would be expected to take the credit, among those preaching the gospel, except the one to whom it is due, Jesus Christ. The early apostles did their part and contended with many challenges, leading to their persecution and martyrdom. Jesus never insinuated that Christian work would be easygoing. The same applies to those of our time. Everything they encountered as opposition to their mission was not a surprise, hence, Jesus had prayed for them. They will be among those with whom Christ will rule the entire world during the millennium. His mission will only be completed after the Great White Throne Judgment.
Everything begins with the individual. However, a careful evaluation of the gospel mission, against pretenders, is crucial. God’s work involves preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God, as delineated by Jesus. Currently, Christianity is fraught with many individuals asserting to be God’s servants.
The truth is essential for those genuinely seeking to connect with God’s work. Amidst this incredible confusion, how can one identify a group truly committed to God’s work? Some may seem genuinely devoted to God, judged by the large numbers of their followers. However, Jesus foresaw the possibility of such groups and prepared those who could hear His voice.
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?” (Matthew 7:13-16 NKJV).
The above advice places the responsibility on the individual to exercise their intellectual ability, even without seeking counsel from others. Everything must be compared with what is written in God’s word. Anyone may present something that appeals to human reasoning. However, this is why Jesus said it is the broad gate that leads to destruction. Why would a person be drawn to the wide gate when Jesus clearly stated that it leads to destruction? Jesus stated: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27 NKJV). Much of what Jesus said may be difficult to understand for those not among His followers.
It is misguided to attempt to convert someone to Christianity. Jesus said: “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:44 NKJV). Regardless of how much a person is loved, converting them to Christianity is not anyone’s business. The individual could be as close as one’s own spouse, son, daughter, or any other relation. Christianity implies that those involved would be estranged from such people.
There is no favouritism in Christianity. Unfortunately, many individuals claim entitlement to being Christian, solely because their parents belong to a particular denomination. This perpetuates the deception currently affecting Christianity in its entirety. A person who practices Christianity should first be aware of the commitment involved.
Traditional Christianity, as known today, is conveniently endowed with a person in charge, called a “pastor.” This suggests that the person designated as pastor would be in charge, empowered with some responsibility over others. This makes Christianity easily accessible, as everyone feels secure as long as the pastor is present. This tradition is derived from Paul, who is believed to have received it from Jesus. However, unlike the other apostles who physically interacted with Jesus, Paul encountered Jesus spiritually. Therefore, it becomes necessary to evaluate everything taught by Paul against Christ’s teachings.
Nevertheless, Paul agreed with Jesus on various matters of principle. A careful scrutiny reveals that Christianity does not consider others as more responsible than others. Each person carries pastoral responsibility, as Christ dwells in each Christian. Surprisingly, on several occasions, Paul perfectly described the condition of Christians as being different from secular norms. A Christian is a new creation, suggesting that the old has gone and the new has come. He even invalidated the practice of downgrading women, which was a common custom at that time. The inclusion encompassed slaves and Gentiles, whom the Jews despised to the extent of referring to them as dogs.
“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:26-29 NKJV).
The essence of this narrative is that every individual who identifies as a Christian is responsible for preaching the gospel. No Christian is accountable to another human being. While rank structures apply in this world, they do not apply to those who have become God’s children. Some individuals may bear lesser responsibilities based on their spiritual gifts but are not exempt from their specific duties. Only God knows who has received greater responsibilities, and more will be expected from those individuals.
With the rise of social media, many may find that the simplest way to participate in preaching the gospel is by sharing and liking posts. This includes Jesus’ suggestion. “And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42 NKJV). There are many ways individuals can participate in gospel preaching.
Those blessed with financial resources can utilize their wealth to contribute, as illustrated by Jesus in the parable of the Shrewd Manager. (Luke 16:1-13). Preaching the gospel is entrusted to those who have chosen to align themselves with the Lord. Unfortunately, people often focus on personalities instead of supporting God’s work and promoting Jesus.
“I do not receive honour from men. But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. How can you believe, those who receive honour from one another, and do not seek the honour that comes from the only God? Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust” (John 5:41-45 NKJV).
It is imperative to focus on the message in order to eliminate personal biases and assume responsibility for matters related to the gospel. The central question to consider is the veracity of the message. If it is true, then the speaker is not relevant, except as an instrument at that moment. All good things originate from God, regardless of who communicates them. Christians are called to avoid judgment and to disseminate the gospel widely.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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