Motivated by Mission

Today we want to talk about the mission of the church. We want to talk about what can motivate people to be involved in the mission. Jesus says the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. (Luke 10:2) Why did we lack laborers for the harvest? We lack laborers because they are not motivated. Motivation is essential to succeed in any endeavor. What motivated Jesus?

First of all, he was motivated by compassion.

Matthew 9:36 - "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." See also: Matthew 14:14; 15:32

Secondly, Christ was motivated by love. (John 3:16)

These two characteristics are developed as we spend time with Christ and allow Christ's Spirit to work in and through us. It is also developed as we spend time with people. Christ spent time with the multitudes. We can't be cooped up in our church or  caught up in our own little lives. We are comfortable to live in our own little circle of people. We need to get out of our comfort zone and make a purpose of reaching out to those beyond our little circle. We often talk about our circle of influence. I challenge you today to widen the circle.

Thirdly, Jesus was motivated by a sense of purpose.

John 4:34 - "“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work." See also: I Peter 2:9


Often believers have a sense of purpose, but often their focus of purpose is not correct. You may say, I purpose to be like Christ. If you purpose to be like Christ, then you will be actively involved in His mission. We are to be like Christ, not only to please Him and have fellowship with Him, but ultimately to draw others to Him.


To fulfill the great commission, it will take thought, planning and a clear goal. It will take funding, energy and time. In essence, it will take purposeful steps.


Fourthly, Christ was motivated by the love of the Father.


John 15:9 - "“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love."

 When we don't testify to others about Jesus Christ, we lack love for that person. We know his destiny is eternal torment, but we don't really care. We don't want to take the time or make the effort to rescue him from drowning in his sin. We just pass by in our life boat and wave with a smile on our face.

Fifthly, Christ was motivated by the fear of the Lord.

Matthew 10:28 - "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."

Paul says it this way in 2 Corinthians 5:11 - " Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience."

Not a fear that cause us to cringe or shrink back. This is the fear the devil puts in our hearts. Yet, we are to have a healthy fear of the Lord. It will cause us to walk up rightly and motivate us encourage others to do the same. No one who cares about someone wants to see that person judged and condemned. 

Finally, Christ was motivated by the joy set before him.

Hebrews 12;2 - " fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Also see: I Thessalonians 2:19-20

What joy was their in suffering. There is no joy in suffering. Yet, there is joy in knowing what the suffering will bring. We are willing to make great sacrifices when we understand their is great reward in it. We are willing to be ridiculed and looked on badly when we know it will produce good results and rewards.

God motivate us even as you are motivated to win the lost at any cost.