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The Jesus Mission by Steven Scott
Reviewed by Dale Lewis
"...a must read for anyone who wants to live radically for Jesus Christ."
If we were being honest with
ourselves, we’d have to say that our
priorities have overpowered His priorities . . . His mission for each one
of us has been easily set aside for our own agenda.
Jesus, God’s Son, accomplished each and every one of the 27 missions
assigned to Him. God now calls His disciple to follow Christ by pursuing
four lifetime missions: 1) Become more intimate with God; 2) Accelerate
your personal growth; 3) Empower other believers to better follow Christ,
and 4) Impact the lives of non-believers. This is not written with the
seeker-sensitive mindset as its focus. It will be impossible for us to
complete the four missions unless we are enabled by Jesus Christ through
the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.
Christ’s commands become understandable as Scott uses the statements
of Jesus as the basis for his practical thoughts. One hundred promises
provide the Christ-follower with a foundation for a vibrant, fruit-bearing
faith. This is definitely a powerful blast to the nonchalant operation
mode to Christianity where we pick and choose what we want to hear and
obey.
The Jesus Mission is well-organized in its presentation. It will aid in
answering the question of knowing what God wants from us, His disciples
. . . His body! Many scripture references will allow the reader to dig
deeper.
In chapter 12, “Roadblocks, Booby Traps and Deadly Detours,” Scott
details the six obstacles that keep people from responding to God’s
grace or prevent them from growing in spiritual maturity . . . including
pride and self-righteousness. It is so much easier to deny pride and self-righteousness
in our lives than dealing with its crippling affects. Misplaced values
and procrastination add to the distraction for following through with Jesus’ mission
for us.
With an academic approach and textbook-based organizational outline, I
didn’t want to view The Jesus Mission as a disciple “to-do” list,
but it was difficult at times. There is a ton of biblical information to
unpack within these pages. It can be overwhelming to read and reflect upon
all Scott identifies as “required” of us. This comprehensive
handbook is one you will reference often as you seek to mature in your
faith! Searching your motives and intentional effort to live accordingly
will be a key part of this journey.
I highly recommend The Jesus Mission as a must read for anyone who wants
to live radically for Jesus Christ. Now is the time to take His mission
for our lives beyond mere words.
