Jesus said, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” At the beginning of his public ministry Jesus gathers his support team around him (the apostles) and instructs to them care for those who are their own, those they are related to, connected to. However, in the course of Jesus’ ministry he has encounters with those who aren’t Jews, who aren’t of the “house of Israel.” He is challenged to care for the Syro-phoenician woman. He drives out demons in the Greek-speaking area of the Decapolis. He understanding of the mission expands until, at final commission, he sends forth his team with this instruction: “Go and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19). The apostles learn that we can’t limit our gospel mission to those who are “our own.” There isn’t anyone out there that doesn’t belong to us as a fellow child of God.
JULY82026
By Church Staff
