The Whole Church to the Whole World
Near the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus hears his disciples remark about the impressive architecture of the temple in Jerusalem. He startles them by prophesying the end of not only the temple, but the world as we know it.
One verse is often cited from this context as motivation for the missionary enterprise: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14).
This verse is sometimes misused to lay a guilt trip on the church. It’s as if Jesus is just waiting in heaven for us to finish the job, then he’ll return. If he hasn’t returned yet, it’s our fault.
Part of the challenge with this interpretation is the ambiguity of the task. The meaning of the term nation is uncertain at best. Does it refer to the Gentiles, generally? Does it mean nation states? Or is it, as modern missiologists contend, ethnolinguistic groups? Or even smaller subsets of social groupings? What about groups long gone? Or yet to emerge?
It is also unclear how we determine whether the gospel has been preached to all of those “nations.” Is sharing a tract or digital resource enough? Does anyone actually need to convert? Or do we need a viable, multiplying fellowship of believers in every nation? What is the goal post?
Despite these uncertainties, I thank God for those who have created resources for measuring the unfinished task of proclaiming Jesus to all nations, however that is understood. It helps us know where to focus our efforts. If one in three people still has no access to the gospel, let’s start there.
To me, the larger point Jesus is making is about God’s heart for all people. The temple was meant to be “a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7). Jesus foresaw a day when the new temple, the church, would proclaim his kingdom to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
If we wonder why Jesus tarries while the world seems to crumble around us, we need only remember how much God loves the world. As 2 Peter 3:9 puts it, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
And God’s primary strategy for reaching the world remains the church, everyday followers of Jesus like you and me. To my joy and utter astonishment, that church now includes believers from every continent on the globe, and most of the world’s known people groups.
Instead of calculating the timing of the Lord’s return, let’s concentrate on mobilizing the whole church to the whole world. From all people, to all places, until Christ comes again.