“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” Matthew 28:19

You may have heard this popular verse from Matthew used to inspire Christians to action. It’s even called the Great Commission. But what does God really mean when He says, “all the nations?” Are we expected to take up a missionary lifestyle and move to Sri Lanka, Swaziland or some other foreign country halfway across the world?

Although our Lord Jesus commanded us to have a worldwide perspective on missions, when He said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,” He was not asking us to buy an around-the-world ticket to do His bidding. We may not have the opportunity to do much travelling, but we can be involved with what’s going on in the world without leaving our hometowns.

Are there hurting people in your life? A couple in need in your community? Lonely widows? Coworkers in bad health? Maybe even a family from another country who is trying to cope with a new culture? Look at them through the eyes of a Lord that sees the needy and desires to ease the load. Sharing Jesus’ love with them is your way of crossing the oceans with the gospel.