Why do we do missions? Why do we invest so much money into sending people to the other side of the world to plant churches, to share the gospel, and to tangibly exemplify the kingdom? Why do people sacrifice their lives, their families, their hopes and dreams and desires for this thing we call “missions?” The answer is actually not that complicated. In fact the answer is so simple that we can describe the entire purpose of missions in just one word, actually, in just one name: Jesus.

David Mathis, in an essay titled Remember, Jesus Never Lies reminds us of this simple but profound reason for missions…

At the end of the day, global missions is about the worship of this spectacular Jesus. The goal of missions is the worldwide worship of the God-man by his redeemed people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. The outcome of missions is al about delighting to praise Jesus. And the motivation for missions is the enjoyment that his people have in him.

Missions aims at, brings about, and is fueled by the worship of Jesus.

Another way to say it is that missions is about Jesus’s global glory. From beginning to end – in target, effect, and impetus – missions centers on the worldwide fame of the Messiah in the praises of his diverse peoples from every tribe, tongue, and nation. What’s at stake in missions is the universal honor of the Father in the global glory of his Son in the joy of all the peoples.

May our entire lives always aim at, bring about, and be fueled by the worship of Jesus!