Sent With Purpose: A 14-Day Devotional to Prepare for Short-Term Mission Sample

Mark 10:45 (NIV) say this: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

These words are at the core of our calling as followers of Christ, and they hold a special significance for those engaged in mission work.

A Model of Selfless Service

In this verse, Jesus presents Himself as the ultimate example of selfless service. Despite His divine status, He chose not to be served but to serve others. He walked among the marginalized, healed the sick, comforted the brokenhearted, and ultimately gave His life as a ransom for our sins.

As a missionary, you are called to emulate Christ's selflessness. Your mission is not about seeking recognition or personal gain but about serving others in humility and love. It is about being a vessel of God's grace and a beacon of His light to those in need.

Remember, you are not the vital piece to the mission, but a vessel through which God does His redemptive work. Real ministry is done for the benefit of those ministered to, not for the benefit of the minister.

Serving the Many

Jesus' mission was to give His life as a ransom for many, and He came to bring salvation to all who would believe in Him. Since then, the mission for all believers has been to partner with God in serving "the many" by sharing the message of redemption and offering the hope found in Jesus Christ.

As you encounter people from various backgrounds and walks of life during your mission trip, remember that your service has the potential to impact many lives—even ones you don’t realize it’s impacting. Each act of kindness, each word of encouragement, and each expression of love can be a step closer to leading someone into a saving relationship with Christ.

The Bible refers to this kind of ministry as “planting seeds” (1 Corinthians #:6-7). You plant seeds of the gospel message any time you interact with a person. Be mindful, then, how you interact and let every word and action be filled with Christlikeness.

A Heart of Sacrifice

Jesus' service went beyond simple acts of kindness; it led Him to the ultimate sacrifice—the giving of His life on the cross. As a missionary, you may face challenges, discomfort, and even personal sacrifices. But it is through these moments of sacrifice that the depth of your service is revealed.

Embrace your mission with a heart willing to sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone and make sacrifices, knowing that your selflessness mirrors the heart of Jesus Himself.

Inspired by Christ's Love

Ultimately, your mission is an expression of Christ's love. Just as Jesus served and gave His life as a ransom, your service is an embodiment of His love for the lost and broken. It is a reflection of His redemptive work in your own life. Time and time again while you’re serving, you’ll be reminded of how God saved you and has now equipped you to “go and tell”.

As you embark on this mission trip, carry the love of Christ in your heart and let it shine through your actions. May Mark 10:45 serve as a constant reminder of your calling to be a servant, just as Jesus was a servant. And as you serve, may you witness the transformative power of His love in the lives of those you encounter. Begin to pray for this now.