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e) The Sublime Aim of Preaching (Matthew 10:40 - 11:1)
MATTHEW 10:40
40 He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me. (Luke 9:48; John 13:20; Galatians 4:14)
What does Christ want to happen through sending His witnesses? His aim is not the knowledge of the divine truth alone or the acceptance of personal salvation or the mere experience of the second birth. The aim of the preaching of Jesus disciples is higher than that. It is our union with Christ Himself. Our faith is not based on mere thinking, emotions, knowledge and determination. It signifies a spiritual fellowship and eternal unity with our beloved Savior. We are not prepared only to inherit His death and resurrection, but to inherit Himself directly and abide in Him as a branch in the vine.
Jesus confirmed to His disciples that He considered their ministry as if He Himself were the speaker and the worker. The Lord unites with His servants exactly as Paul confessed; “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). The Most Holy Himself speaks through His human servants, and Christ’s disciples do not only carry His word to the world, but also carry Him Himself for He is present in them.
Christ is the holy link between God the Father and us. He who receives His ministers receives the Savior Himself, and he who has received Christ, has received the heavenly Father. Jesus called Himself a messenger, for His Holy Father sent him. Jesus is the unique Word of God made flesh. He who receives Him experiences God’s dwelling in his heart. Does the spirit of the Lord fill your mind? Does the Almighty really dwell in you?
Christ’s followers are God’s temple and residence, and His saints are Christ’s spiritual body. Be sure of your approach to the unity of the Holy Trinity. Feel secure for you are not going alone into the corrupt world to offer it true salvation. Christ is with you and in you always, even to the end of the age. He who hears your testimony and believes in Him that has sent you shall receive the Son of God personally into his heart and mind.
PRAYER: We glorify you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in Your unity, for You came near us and dwell in us after you cleansed us with the precious blood of Your Son. You granted us the indwelling of Your good Spirit in our weakness that we may walk in love and serve You in honesty, prayer and testimony. We glorify You for Your fellowship with us, justified sinners, mortal beings, to whom You gave eternal life.
QUESTION:
- How is the unity between God and those who believe in Christ completed?