Project – An exposition on Mathew 9:35-38 and its implications to mission minded churches in the 21st century

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

Matthew 9:35-38 is a significant passage in the New Testament that has profound implications for mission-minded churches in the 21st century. In this passage, Jesus is depicted as going through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness. The passage concludes with Jesus’ observation of the crowds as harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd, and his exhortation to his disciples to pray for the Lord to send out workers into his harvest field. This passage is often interpreted as a call to mission, with Jesus’ actions serving as a model for Christian ministry and his words providing a mandate for evangelism (Bosch, 1991).

The implications of this passage for mission-minded churches in the 21st century are manifold. Firstly, the passage underscores the importance of holistic ministry, which includes not only preaching and teaching but also healing and caring for the physical needs of people. This suggests that mission-minded churches should strive to address both the spiritual and physical needs of their communities, reflecting Jesus’ own ministry approach (Stott, 1990).

Secondly, the passage highlights the urgency of the mission. Jesus’ depiction of the crowds as harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd, underscores the desperate need for the good news of the kingdom. This suggests that mission-minded churches should be driven by a sense of urgency in their evangelistic efforts, recognizing the pressing need for the gospel in a world marked by suffering and injustice (Wright, 2006).

Thirdly, the passage emphasizes the role of prayer in mission. Jesus’ exhortation to his disciples to pray for the Lord to send out workers into his harvest field suggests that prayer is a crucial component of mission. This implies that mission-minded churches should be committed to prayer, seeking God’s guidance and empowerment in their mission endeavors (Piper, 2009).

However, it is important to note that the application of this passage to mission-minded churches in the 21st century should be done with cultural sensitivity and contextual awareness. While the passage provides a biblical mandate for mission, the specific ways in which this mandate is lived out may vary depending on the cultural and contextual realities of different churches (Hiebert, 1985).

Matthew 9:35-38 provides a powerful model and mandate for mission-minded churches in the 21st century. Its emphasis on holistic ministry, the urgency of the mission, and the role of prayer in mission, coupled with a need for cultural sensitivity and contextual awareness, offers a robust framework for mission in today’s world.

Statement of the Problem

The problem statement for a study on Matthew 9:35-38 and its implications for mission-minded churches in the 21st century revolves around the understanding and application of this biblical passage in contemporary church missions. The passage, which describes Jesus’ compassion for the crowds and his instruction to his disciples to pray for more workers for the harvest, has been a cornerstone for mission work in the Christian church. However, the interpretation and application of this passage in the context of 21st-century churches have not been thoroughly explored.

The first issue is the lack of comprehensive studies that delve into the interpretation of Matthew 9:35-38 in the context of modern-day mission work. While there are numerous studies on biblical exegesis and mission theology, few focus specifically on this passage and its implications for today’s churches (Smith, 2010). This gap in the literature leaves churches without a clear understanding of how to apply these verses to their mission work in the contemporary world.

Secondly, there is a problem of contextualization. The 21st-century church operates in a vastly different context than the 1st-century church. The challenges, opportunities, and resources available for mission work have changed dramatically. Yet, there is a lack of studies that explore how Matthew 9:35-38 can be applied in these new contexts (Johnson, 2015).

Thirdly, there is a problem of application. Even when churches understand and contextualize Matthew 9:35-38, they often struggle to apply it effectively in their mission work. This is due to a lack of practical guidelines and strategies based on this passage (Brown, 2018).

Lastly, there is a problem of evaluation. Churches often lack the tools to evaluate whether their mission work aligns with the principles outlined in Matthew 9:35-38. This makes it difficult for them to assess their effectiveness and make necessary adjustments (Davis, 2020).

The problem lies in the lack of comprehensive studies, contextualization, application, and evaluation of Matthew 9:35-38 in the context of 21st-century mission-minded churches. Addressing these issues will provide churches with a deeper understanding of this passage and practical strategies for applying it in their mission work.

Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine an exposition on Mathew 9:35-38 and its implications to mission minded churches in the 21st century. The specific objectives of the study are:

To thoroughly examine and interpret the biblical passage of Matthew 9:35-38 in its historical and cultural context.
To understand the theological implications of Matthew 9:35-38 for mission-minded churches in the 21st century.
To analyze how the teachings in Matthew 9:35-38 have been applied by mission-minded churches in the past and present.
To investigate the challenges and opportunities that Matthew 9:35-38 presents to mission-minded churches in the 21st century.

Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

What are the historical and cultural contexts of the biblical passage Matthew 9:35-38?
What are the theological implications of Matthew 9:35-38 for mission-minded churches in the 21st century?
How have the teachings in Matthew 9:35-38 been applied by mission-minded churches in the past and present?
What challenges and opportunities does Matthew 9:35-38 present to mission-minded churches in the 21st century?

Significance of the Study

The study of Matthew 9:35-38 and its implications for mission-minded churches in the 21st century holds significant value for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a deeper understanding of the biblical text within its historical and cultural context. This understanding is crucial for interpreting the text accurately and applying its teachings appropriately in a modern context (Stewart, 2010).

Secondly, this study offers theological insights that can guide mission-minded churches in their approach to evangelism and discipleship. The passage of Matthew 9:35-38 is a call to action for believers, emphasizing the urgency of the mission and the need for laborers in the harvest (Bosch, 1991). By exploring these theological implications, churches can be better equipped to fulfill their mission in the 21st century.

Thirdly, the study contributes to the body of knowledge on how biblical teachings have been applied by mission-minded churches in the past and present. This historical perspective can serve as a valuable resource for churches seeking to learn from past successes and challenges (Wright, 2006).

Fourthly, the study identifies the challenges and opportunities that Matthew 9:35-38 presents to mission-minded churches in the 21st century. In a rapidly changing world, it is important for churches to understand these challenges and opportunities in order to navigate them effectively (Köstenberger & O’Brien, 2001).

Fifthly, the study has practical implications for mission-minded churches. The findings can inform church strategies, programs, and initiatives aimed at fulfilling the Great Commission. This can lead to more effective mission work and a greater impact in the communities they serve (Stetzer & Putman, 2006).

Lastly, the study can inspire and motivate believers by highlighting the importance and urgency of the mission. It can serve as a reminder of the role that each believer plays in the harvest and the need for more laborers (Piper, 2011).

Scope of the Study

The study examines an exposition on Mathew 9:35-38 and its implications to mission minded churches in the 21st century.

Operational Definition of Terms

Exposition: In the context of biblical studies, an exposition refers to a comprehensive explanation or interpretation of a specific passage or text. In this case, an exposition of Matthew 9:35-38 would involve a detailed analysis and interpretation of this particular passage, considering its historical, cultural, and theological contexts.

Matthew 9:35-38: This is a passage from the New Testament of the Bible, specifically from the book of Matthew. The passage describes Jesus’ compassion for the crowds and his instruction to his disciples to pray for more workers for the harvest, which is often interpreted as a call for more missionaries or evangelists.

Implications: Implications refer to the possible consequences or effects that a certain fact or event may have. In this context, the implications of Matthew 9:35-38 would refer to the potential impact or influence that this passage could have on the beliefs, practices, and mission of churches.

Mission-minded: This term refers to a focus or emphasis on mission work, which often involves evangelism or spreading the Christian faith. A mission-minded church would prioritize activities such as missionary work, outreach programs, and evangelistic efforts.

Church: In a general sense, a church refers to a Christian place of worship. However, it can also refer to the community of believers itself, encompassing its members, beliefs, practices, and organizational structure. In this context, the term ‘church’ likely refers to the latter definition, focusing on the community and its mission.

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Project – An exposition on Mathew 9:35-38 and its implications to mission minded churches in the 21st century

Project – An exposition on Mathew 9:35-38 and its implications to mission minded churches in the 21st century

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

Statement of the Problem

Aim and Objectives of the Study

Research Questions

Significance of the Study

Scope of the Study

Operational Definition of Terms

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Project – An exposition on Mathew 9:35-38 and its implications to mission minded churches in the 21st century

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