Rescue Mission

Consider

She couldn’t have been more different from Jesus. He was a man of respect. Holy, surrounded by crowds and closest friends, and walking intently in step with the Father. He was pure, unblemished, and worthy. She was a woman alone. An outcast, even among a nation of defiled people. She was tainted, untouchable, and full of shame.

They had nothing in common. But she was the reason He was there. To Jesus, she was everything. He came for her.

When Jesus met the woman at the well, He could see a daughter who was uniquely created and loved by a good Father. He knew what she’d been through and the choices she’d made. He knew her understanding of God and where it fell short of His glory. He saw her thirst, and He offered her Living Water.

When the disciples saw her, they saw a woman who shouldn’t have been talking to Jesus. Undeserving. Unqualified. Unworthy. They saw her situation and they offered her silence.

Jesus’ mission on earth was to rescue His people. He came, as He explained in Luke 4, for the poor, the prisoners, the blind, and the oppressed. Jesus didn’t come for a world that was doing fine. He came for those bound and oppressed by sin, separation, and brokenness. With His perfect life, unwarranted death, and divine resurrection, Jesus created a safe passage for the weary and the lost to stumble toward a loving Father.

The Gospel is good news for the sinners. It’s good news for the heartbroken, the lonely, the forgotten. The Gospel says:
Though you’ve been far away, now you can be near.
Though your chains were heavy, you can be set free.
Though your sins were like scarlet, you can be white as snow.

Obey

Have you ever wondered if your sin or past disqualified you from God’s Kingdom? Share some of the stories in the Bible about the flawed men and women God used for His glory. Pray a prayer of surrender and obedience, asking God to show His mercy and faithfulness through your life.

Is there anyone in your life who needs to hear the Gospel, but you have never shared with them for whatever reason? Pray for an opportunity to share with them this week.

What is your story of God’s faithfulness? Practice sharing a 3-minute version of your testimony with another believer this week. Watch for opportunities to share with others!