Sam and David interview a modern missionary, Amy Whitsett, about her experiences of ten years of missionary service in the Lao Democratic People’s Republic, and then six years in Thailand; and about her current work as Associate Director of the Church’s Institute of World Mission.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/mission-150-episode-30-a-modern-missionary-to-southeast-asia/

The section “Send them away!” urges us to recognize and overcome the mistakes of the past that prevented the people of God at the time of Christ from bringing the hope of the Messiah to unreached areas like Tyre and Sidon. Nationalism, pride, and prejudice made the people blind to the longing for hope in the hearts of those who seemed foreign to them. Today, in our cities, there are still diverse population groups seeking the “blessed hope” of the gospel.

The lesson from Acts 10:9–16, 28, 34–35 emphasizes the crucial change in Peter’s mindset. Through the vision of the sheet with unclean animals, he realized that God does not show partiality and that people from all nations, who fear God and practice righteousness, are pleasing to Him. This realization led Peter to overcome his religious pride and narrow-mindedness towards the Gentiles.

Jesus’ interaction with the mother in Tyre and Sidon, described as a Gentile and Canaanite, highlights similar lessons. The disciples learned that God’s love and hope apply to all people, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background. These teachings are closely related to Peter’s vision and underscore the importance of overcoming prejudices and narrow-mindedness to fulfill God’s mission in the cities.

For us today, questions about our own prejudices and limitations are crucial. What prejudices hinder us from seeing the needs of urban dwellers? What opportunities has God given us in the cities to expand our understanding of mission? These questions challenge us to honestly confront our own nationalism, bigotry, and spiritual pride. Just as Jesus patiently taught His disciples, we too can develop the ability, through the Holy Spirit, to overcome our prejudices and fulfill our mission in the cities.

Read Galatians 2:11–13. What does this teach us about how challenging it can be to free ourselves from the prejudices taught to us from childhood?

“But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, ‘If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?’” Galatians 2:11–13

These verses recount a situation where the apostle Peter (Cephas) is confronted about his behavior towards non-Jews. Peter withdrew from eating with Gentiles when certain men from James came, fearing the party that insisted on maintaining the separation between Jews and Gentiles.

The lesson we can learn from this incident shows how challenging it can be to free ourselves from the prejudices taught to us from childhood. Peter, despite being an apostle, allowed himself to be influenced by cultural and ethnic prejudices. He deviated from the truth of the gospel, leading others, including Barnabas, with him.

This incident reminds us that even people in the followership of Jesus can face challenges in overcoming prejudices and deeply rooted cultural beliefs. It illustrates how important it is to constantly remember that the gospel reaches all people without distinction and that our lifestyle and interactions should align with this truth. The liberation from prejudices often requires courage, self-reflection, and the willingness to step out of our comfort zones. This Bible passage reminds us that no one is immune to prejudices and encourages us to continually align ourselves with the truth of the gospel, calling all people to a united community in Christ.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-11-mission-to-the-unreached-part-2-11-4-send-her-away/

The portrayal of the woman in the accounts of Matthew 15:22–28 and Mark 7:24–30 vividly illustrates how the evangelists shaped their narratives with respect to their respective audiences. The differences in describing the woman as a “Canaanite” in Matthew or as a “Greek from Syrophoenicia” in Mark provide insights into the varied perspectives and backgrounds of their intended listeners.

Matthew, likely writing for a Jewish audience, emphasizes the woman’s ethnic identity as a Canaanite. This may evoke historically conditioned prejudices and aversions towards the Canaanites, described in the Old Testament as idolaters and stumbling blocks for the Israelites. The disciples’ hesitation toward the woman’s request reflects these prejudices and highlights how deeply rooted such attitudes were in Jewish society.

Mark, on the other hand, addressing a likely Gentile audience, opts for a more nuanced description of the woman. He not only emphasizes her ethnic affiliation as Greek but also adds the note of her being from Syrophoenicia. This apparent cultural richness might be of greater interest and understanding to his audience. The woman’s reaction may thus be shaped not by prejudices but by compassion and universal concern for her daughter’s well-being.

Jesus’ strategy of not immediately responding to the woman’s plea indicates a deeper intention. Through this action, he aimed not only to move the hearts of the disciples and challenge their preconceived notions but also to highlight the difference in perception between Jews and Gentiles. The encounter with this woman was a living demonstration of Jesus’ compassionate love and grace transcending ethnic and national boundaries.

In this context, it becomes clear how crucial it is to understand the cultural, historical, and social backgrounds of the Gospel texts to grasp their messages in their original intent and impact.

Read 1 John 2:2. What should this text tell us about being equal before God?

“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:2

This verse emphasizes the universal significance of Jesus Christ as the propitiator for the sins of the whole world. The message that Jesus is the “propitiation for our sins” means that through his death on the cross, he has created the possibility of forgiveness and reconciliation with God for all people.

This statement underscores the equality of all people before God in terms of the opportunity for redemption. Regardless of ethnic background, social status, or other external distinctions, everyone has the same opportunity to be freed from sins through faith in Jesus Christ and to have a relationship with God.

The verse reminds us that God’s love and redemption are not limited to a specific group but are accessible to all people. The concept of equality before God is based on God’s all-encompassing love and his desire for all people to be saved (cf. 1 Timothy 2:4).

Considering this text, Christians should strive to extend God’s universal love and treat others, regardless of their differences, with love, respect, and mercy.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-11-mission-to-the-unreached-part-2-11-3-in-tyre-and-sidon/

The mission among the crowds, as described in Matthew 9:35–38, reveals Jesus’ compassionate attitude toward the “faceless masses” in the cities. Jesus had deep compassion for the crowds, even leading him to weep over Jerusalem in Luke 19:41. This highlights Jesus’ extraordinary love for all people, even those in the bustling and often anonymous environments of the cities.

The call to prayer in Matthew 9:38 indicates that our motives and hearts should align with those of Jesus when engaging in urban mission. This underscores the importance of a deep spiritual connection to reflect Christ’s love and compassion for the masses in the cities.

Matthew 4:23–25 reveals the geographic diversity of people that Jesus attracted to his ministry. They came from various regions, including Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea. Jesus’ intentional journey to the region of Tyre and Sidon, as mentioned in Matthew 4:25, emphasizes the cross-cultural nature of his mission travels. By looking at the cities of Tyre and Sidon on the coast of Phoenicia, Jesus opened up the possibility of mission in culturally diverse and pagan areas to his disciples.

The account of Jesus leaving the city of Capernaum and going into the hilly land bordering Phoenicia vividly portrays Jesus’ deliberate decision to face the challenges and opportunities of urban mission. His journey to this region was more than geographically motivated – it was a conscious engagement with the cultural diversity and spiritual needs of people in the cities. This serves as an encouraging example of how we can actively participate in urban mission today by sharing Jesus’ love and compassion for the masses in the cities.

How can we help people recognize the emptiness of “their magnificent palaces” and “great markets” in and of themselves and why they need Jesus?

The challenge of helping people who consider the apparent splendor and wealth of their circumstances as the essential elements of life is a crucial aspect of evangelism. Here are some approaches to help people recognize the emptiness of material prosperity without Jesus:

1. Share Testimony: Share how your life has been enriched through your relationship with Jesus Christ. Emphasize how this relationship has brought deeper meaning and purpose to your life beyond material possessions.

2. Biblical Perspective: Use biblical stories and teachings to emphasize the transience of worldly riches. Examples like the rich fool in the story of the “Rich Fool” (Luke 12:16–21) can illustrate that true fulfillment is not achieved through material possession alone.

3. Emphasize Community: Highlight that true joy and fulfillment are often found through interpersonal relationships and community. Jesus emphasized the importance of love, compassion, and caring for one another.

4. Highlight the Common Good: Point out that the pursuit of personal wealth does not necessarily lead to a fulfilled life. Engaging in charitable activities and helping others can bring a deeper sense of purpose and satisfaction.

5. Emphasize God’s Love: Emphasize God’s unconditional love and how this love offers a deeper, lasting fulfillment than material goods. Show that true fulfillment lies in the relationship with God.

6. Explore the Meaning of Life: Invite people to explore the meaning of life together. Discuss philosophical questions and emphasize how faith in Jesus Christ can provide answers to existential questions.

7. Respect the Search for Meaning: Respect each individual’s search for meaning and purpose. Ensure that conversations are conducted with empathy and without judgment.

8. Prayer: Pray for people, asking God to open their hearts to recognize the emptiness of material prosperity without a relationship with Jesus.

Through these approaches, people can be encouraged to look beyond the superficial splendor of material wealth and discover the deeper meaning and fulfillment found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-11-mission-to-the-unreached-part-2-11-2-seeking-the-multitudes/

Lesson 11: Mission to the Unreached – Part 2
This lesson delves into the challenging yet crucial task of missionary work in urban and unreached areas. Through biblical examples, especially Jesus’ interactions with people in pagan cities, lessons on overcoming prejudices, the significance of cross-cultural missions, and the necessity of letting faith shine in the midst of darkness are conveyed. The lesson encourages living out faith in everyday life and actively engaging in mission work in urban settings.

11.1 Mission to Regions Beyond
Jesus’ decision to journey with his disciples to the regions of Tyre and Sidon was both strategic and instructive. In these pagan areas, the disciples were meant to learn crucial lessons for their future calling—to reach all population groups, including urban dwellers.

Insights from Judges 3:1–6, 1 Kings 5:1–12, and 11:1–6 help understand the significance of these cities. Judges 3:1–6 illustrates that these regions posed a test for the faith of the Israelites, which unfortunately they failed. The relationship between the Sidonians and Hebrews in 1 Kings 5:1–12 highlights the ambivalence of economic relations and the negative influences of paganism on the Israelites. In 1 Kings 11:1–6, it becomes evident how these influences can eventually lead to deviations from God.

Despite these historical burdens, Jesus intentionally led his disciples to these areas. This served not only to acquaint the disciples with cross-cultural mission in cities but also to confront them with their own biases and limitations. Jesus set an example for holistic mission in cities that includes all cultures and nationalities.

For Seventh-day Adventist missionaries working in urban areas, challenges are diverse. From health issues to social and religious obstacles, they face complex tasks. Nevertheless, Jesus’ teachings encourage us to advocate for cities despite these hindrances. Such holistic mission requires not only commitment but also overcoming biases to spread the message of love and hope to all people.

What can you do to support those involved in urban missionary work?

To support those engaged in urban missionary work, I can provide various resources, information, and guidance. Here are some ways I can contribute:

1. Provision of Theological Knowledge: I can offer theological explanations, Bible verses, and historical contexts to deepen understanding of missionary work in urban areas.

2. Advice on Cultural Sensitivity: I can provide tips and advice to promote cultural sensitivity in urban environments. This may include recognizing and understanding different cultural practices, traditions, and challenges.

3. Information on Current Challenges: By providing information on current challenges in urban areas, such as health issues, social inequalities, or environmental concerns, I can help missionaries be better informed and offer effective support.

4. Practical Resources: I can supply practical resources and guidance for addressing specific challenges in urban areas. This could include tips for community outreach, providing social services, or collaborating with local organizations.

5. Intercultural Communication: Information and advice to promote effective intercultural communication can help avoid misunderstandings and build better connections with communities in urban areas.

6. Prayer Support: I can offer prayer support to foster spiritual strength and endurance for those engaged in missionary work. This can also help establish a deep connection with divine guidance in their efforts.

7. Sharing Best Practices: By sharing best practices and success stories from other urban mission projects, valuable insights and inspiration can be provided to those undertaking similar work.

8. Answering Questions: I am available to answer specific questions, recommend resources, or assist in finding additional information.

By offering these services, I hope to strengthen and encourage those involved in urban mission work in their endeavors.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-11-mission-to-the-unreached-part-2-11-1-mission-to-regions-beyond/