GO INTO ALL THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL 

Compiled and shared by Cubie Ward, PhD

Today´s discussion will focus on our mission to Honduras. “Go into the world and preach the gospel” is not just a good scriptural saying, it is a Gospel imperative that each of us must feel and demonstrated by the fact that here we are.  Today´s discussion will focus on 5 questions related to this Christian mandate. For missioners this is not a new topic, but there are elements that are important to me and I simply wanted to share them with you.

Question #1. Is fulfillment of the Great Commissionstill a mission of the church today?

Question #2. Can the mandates of Christ, such as “feed the hungry,” “clothe the naked,” “heal the sick,” “care for the widows” ever be considered as sharing (or preaching) the gospel ?

Question #3. Does the Great Commission have a predicate in the Old Testament?

Question #4. In today´s world, do “Judeo-Christian values and actions still have a significant impact on the larger world?

Question #5. Is the world indebted to Christianity for these values and actions?  

I.       The phrase, “Go into the world and preach the gospel to all creation,” is a biblical passage found in the Gospel of Mark, specifically Mark 16:15. The verse is part of Jesus Christ’s instructions to his disciples after his resurrection and before his ascension into heaven. 

This passage is often referred to as the Great Commission. It is a call to spread the teachings of Jesus and share the good news of salvation with people throughout the world. It emphasizes the importance of evangelism and sharing the message of Christianity to all people, regardless of their background or geographic location.  Caring for God’s worldwide creation is the mission of the church. 

The phrase is seen by many Christians as a commandment to actively engage in missionary work, sharing the teachings of Jesus, and inviting others to embrace the Christian faith. It underscores the universal nature of the gospel and the belief that salvation is available to all who accept it. 

Different Christian denominations and individuals may interpret and apply this passage in various ways, but at its core, it encourages believers to be active in sharing their faith and making disciples of all nations. 

What does it mean “to preach” the gospel? In a religious context, preaching often involves explaining and interpreting religious texts, sharing spiritual insights, teaching moral principles, and exhorting listeners to live according to the teachings of their faith. It may also involve actions that reflect Christian teachings such as actions that we embrace on this mission, healing the sick, clothing the naked, feeding the hungry.  Preaching may also encourage others to embrace or deepen their relationship with their God or spiritual path. 

While preaching is commonly associated with religious leaders, such as priests, pastors, ministers, or imams, it is not limited to them. In some religious traditions, laypeople or individuals with a calling may also engage in preaching or sharing their religious beliefs and experiences with others. 

The goal of preaching can vary depending on the religious tradition and the specific message being conveyed. It may aim to inspire faith, encourage moral behavior, offer guidance and support, provide comfort, challenge societal injustices, or call for personal or collective transformation. 

It is important to note that the meaning and significance of preaching can differ across different religions, denominations, and cultural contexts. The methods, styles, and formats of preaching can also vary widely, ranging from formal sermons delivered from a pulpit to more informal conversations or discussions about religious matters. 

II.      Can the mandates of Christ, such as “feed the hungry,” “clothe the naked,” “heal the sick,” “care for the widows” ever be considered as sharing (or preaching) the gospel?

Yes, the mandates of Christ to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, and care for the widows can indeed be considered as a form of sharing the gospel. These actions align with the teachings and example of Jesus, who emphasized compassion, love, and care for others, particularly those who are vulnerable or in need. 

In the New Testament, Jesus repeatedly emphasized the importance of acts of kindness, mercy, and social justice. He taught that by serving and caring for others, we demonstrate our love for God and fulfill the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. 

When followers of Christ engage in acts of service and social justice, such as feeding the hungry, providing clothing to the needy, caring for the sick, and supporting widows, they embody the values and teachings of Jesus. These actions not only meet immediate physical needs but also reflect God’s love and concern for all people. 

Through such acts of compassion, Christians can demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel and its impact on individuals and communities. By addressing tangible needs, believers create opportunities for meaningful connections, build relationships, and open doors for conversations about faith and spiritual matters. These acts of service can serve as a witness to the love of God and create opportunities to share the gospel message. 

In essence, combining the proclamation of the gospel with acts of service and social justice can provide a holistic approach to fulfilling Christ’s mandates and effectively sharing the message of God’s love, mercy, and salvation 

III.     Old Testament references that that align with Christian values and actions today. While the term “Christian” specifically refers to followers of Jesus Christ, many of the principles and values upheld in Christianity find their roots in the Old Testament. 

Here are a few examples: 

1. Deuteronomy 24:19-21: “When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. [20] When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. [21] When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow.” These verses recognize that it is God who provides for both the have-nots and those who have. 

• Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This verse highlights the importance of justice, mercy, and humility, which are key Christian virtues. 
• Proverbs 14:31: “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” This verse emphasizes the value of showing kindness and compassion to the poor and needy, which aligns with Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament. 
• Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” This verse calls for acting justly, defending the oppressed, and caring for those who are marginalized, all of which are central to Christian ethics. 
• Leviticus 19:18: “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” This verse emphasizes the importance of loving one’s neighbor, a concept that Jesus reaffirmed as one of the greatest commandments in the New Testament. 

These are just a few examples among many in the Old Testament that encourage 

God’s people to demonstrate qualities and engage in actions that are in line with Christian values. They reflect God’s desire for His people to live justly, show mercy, care for the marginalized, and cultivate a loving relationship with Him. 

The expectation of those in need to carry out the work of gathering and preparing their own provisions is another way in which God’s law instills dignity upon the poor. This is consistent with how lending money with an expectation of repayment, as per Leviticus, also bestows dignity upon the poor. 

Along with granting dignity to the poor, the Law prevents their oppression in this scenario by requiring the wealthy to not keep the full total of their harvest to themselves (leaving margin in their supplies/wealth/income). The presentation of dignity combined with the prevention of oppression once again carries out God’s justice. 

While the Old Testament does contain commands to give, it also contains numerous exhortations to give generously. Notably from the Old Testament, we have Proverbs 19:17: “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed”. – Proverbs 19:17 

This is but one example that exists where the Old Testament teaches the virtue of generosity as giving and charity that goes above and beyond simply what is required. 

To best explore this concept, let us start with a definition of “generous”. The Merriam-Webster dictionary offers the following three definitions of this term:

1. liberal in giving 
2. marked by an abundance or ample proportions 
3. characterized by a noble or kindly spirit 

The Old Testament speaks directly to each of these definitions. Consider “liberal in giving” first; the term “liberal” conveys the concept of being openhanded, giving freely, and not constraining oneself to only what is required by the rules. 

Deuteronomy’s instructions on lending states “you shall open your hand” (15:8) to the poor, and in describing a woman who fears the Lord, the Proverbs notes: “She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy”. Proverbs 31:20 “Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor”. – Proverbs 22:9 

Note here that some translations state “the generous person” (HCSB) or “one who is generous” (NASB) in place of “whoever has a bountiful eye”. It is also important to see that this verse describes sharing or giving one’s bread to the poor, which would be “liberal in giving” in the sense that it would go above and beyond the instruction of the laws around lending to the poor. 

The Old Testament also addresses having a noble spirit specifically in the context of someone who provides for the needy. Ruth’s story sees her gleaning from the excess of Boaz’s fields. Immediately before illustrating the practice of providing for the needy through the harvest of his fields, the Old Testament calls out Boaz as a “noble man” in Ruth 2:1. 

Proverbs also characterizes the woman who fears the Lord, the same one that “opens her hands to the poor”, as highly noble. 

“Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all” – Proverbs 31:29 

So, while the Old Testament may not command generosity, it does call people to generosity in the pursuit of justice, righteousness, and mercy. 

IV.     Judeo-Christian values and actions have had a significant impact on the larger world in various ways. Here are a few key areas where their influence can be observed:

Morality and Ethics: Judeo-Christian values have helped shape the moral and ethical frameworks that underpin many legal systems, social norms, and cultural practices worldwide. Concepts such as the dignity of every human being, respect for life, justice, compassion, and the pursuit of righteousness have had a profound influence on notions of right and wrong, fairness, and individual and collective responsibility. 

Human Rights and Equality: The Judeo-Christian belief in the inherent worth and equality of all people has contributed to the development of human rights principles and movements across the globe. Ideas like the sanctity of human life, the importance of freedom of conscience, and the call to care for the marginalized have informed movements for social justice, abolition of slavery, women’s rights, and the fight against discrimination. 

Rule of Law: The emphasis on justice, fairness, and accountability found in Judeo-Christian teachings has played a role in the development of legal systems and the rule of law. Many legal principles and institutions have been influenced by biblical concepts, such as the Ten Commandments, which provided a foundation for principles of justice and civil order. 

Social Welfare and Philanthropy: The Judeo-Christian emphasis on compassion, caring for the poor, and providing for those in need has led to the establishment of numerous charitable organizations, hospitals, educational institutions, and social welfare initiatives. These efforts have had a significant impact on alleviating suffering, promoting education, and improving the overall well-being of individuals and communities worldwide. 

V. Is the world indebted to Christianity for these values and actions?  Let´s be careful that we do not fall into the trap that implies that the world is indebted to Christianity for these acts of charity. Our acts of charity, that is our take on “preaching the gospel” is but a late comer to these teachings. We owe our consciousness to these mandates not only to Judaism, but also to Buddhism and Hinduism which had their genesis long before Christianity.

There are several major religions that emphasize caring for the poor and hungry. Here are a few examples:

1. Islam: Islam teaches the importance of charity and caring for those in need. One of the Five Pillars of Islam is Zakat, which involves giving a portion of one’s wealth to the poor and needy
2. Buddhism: Although Buddhism does not have a concept of a personal God, it places great emphasis on compassion and the alleviation of suffering. Buddhist teachings encourage followers to show kindness and generosity towards all living beings, including those who are impoverished.
3. Hinduism: Hinduism promotes the idea of dharma, which encompasses various moral and ethical duties. One aspect of dharma is caring for the less fortunate and performing acts of charity to help alleviate poverty and hunger.
4. Sikhism: Sikhism places a strong emphasis on selfless service and caring for others. The concept of “seva” encourages Sikhs to actively engage in acts of charity and humanitarian work to support those in need.
5. Jainism: Jainism teaches the principle of ahimsa, non-violence towards all living beings. Jains are encouraged to practice compassion and engage in acts of charity to alleviate the suffering of others, including the poor and hungry.

It’s important to note that these religions have diverse beliefs and practices, and their interpretations may vary among different sects and individuals. Nonetheless, caring for the poor and hungry is a common theme in many major religions, promoting compassion and the well-being of others.

VI.     In summation it is important to note that the impact of Judeo-Christian values and actions is complex and multifaceted. While their influence has been substantial, the world’s cultural and ethical landscape is shaped by a diverse range of Judeo/Christian beliefs, philosophies, and traditions.  Our mission to Honduras is just one small facet in our Lord’s greater goal of redemption to all of God’s creation. Our sharing (preaching) of the gospel this week is the fulfillment of a greater mandate to share the gospel with the whole world. 

The Bottom Line

The most important truth that we can take from the Old Testament in regards to our giving and generosity is that our relationship with God is directly tied to our relationship with the poor. 

“Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered” – Proverbs 21:13.  Is not this the fast that I choose:  to loose the bonds of wickedness,   to undo the straps of the yoke,  to let the oppressed go free,  and to break every yoke?  Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? – Isaiah 58: 6-7 

We must not miss this. Our relationship with God is directly tied to our relationship with the poor. We will be judged by God (I believe in the sense of sanctification rather than salvation) based on how we serve the poor and needy. 

This idea is consistent with the New Testament as well, especially given the teachings of Christ in Matthew 6:1-18. To quote The Moody Bible Commentary, “righteousness has an ethical sense of giving, praying, and fasting.” The Sermon on the Mount show us that righteousness is composed in part by contributing to the poor and needy in pursuit of God and His holiness. 

So with that said, here are the five takeaways from the Old Testament’s teachings on care for the poor: 

1. our relationship with God is directly tied to our relationship to the poor (yes, I know I’ve said it three times; it is that important) (See also Psalm 41:1) 
2. faithful giving precedes blessing (Malachi 3:10-12) 
3. generosity precedes blessing (Proverbs 11:24-25, 19:17, 22:9, Psalm 112:5) 
4. ill-gotten gains, those which result in oppression and not justice, are sinful 

(Exodus 22:25, Proverbs 1:9, 10:2, 21:6, 22:16, Isaiah 10:2-3) 

• live with margin, and freely give that margin to the poor and the needy 

(Deuteronomy 24:19-21, Proverbs 11:4, Ecclesiastes 5:13)

The question is not how we respond when presented with a mission opportunity but why do we respond. The Light of Kabbalah, a weekly Jewish mystic newsletter and presented by the Zohar succinctly focuses on the point of this presentation by sharing this: “When the Holy One loves a man, He sends him a present in the shape of a poor man, so that he should perform some good deed to him, through the merit of which he may draw to himself a cord of grace.”

If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; 

– Isaiah 58:10-1