PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 13:9-13

What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?

“And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.” (Mark 13:10)
This is a churchy phrase, or it sounds like religious speak.
What exactly did Jesus mean by ‘gospel’, and ‘preached’ and ‘all nations’?
The gospel is a message of good news, and to preach is to tell someone that news.
‘All nations’ is just another way of saying all people, everyone, no exclusions.
Jesus is telling his disciples they are to bring love, hope and peace to everyone.
Let everyone know God loves them, forgives them, welcomes them into God’s family.
Everyone… even the people that others look down on or do not like.
And here is the problem, why bringing this message will provoke such a harsh response.
People don’t want some people to be included, like sinners, or enemies, or outsiders.
Jesus was opposed because he brought God’s message to everyone, even the Romans.
The Spirit of Jesus wants us to do this too, and will speak through us to their hearts.
Surprisingly even the church may resist your sharing this message with some people.
Never mind, stand firm to the end, keep preaching this gospel and you will be saved.
And if arrested, or brought before church authorities, preach it to them too!
PRAYER
Lord, may this good news message be seen and heard in me, so that the people that need it most – including those who we may think don’t deserve it – will receive it through your Spirit too.