The call to missions is one that resonates deeply within the hearts of many believers. Whether it’s the desire to spread the gospel locally, nationally, or internationally, missions work is an essential part of the Christian faith.
The Bible is rich with verses that guide, encourage, and inspire those who feel led to step out and serve in the name of Christ. These Bible verses about missions are not just for those traveling to foreign lands; they also speak to every believer’s call to share God’s love and truth in their everyday lives.
In this post, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses about missions, each carrying unique wisdom and insight to help us better understand God’s purpose for missions and our role in it.
1. Matthew 28:19-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Explanation: These words of Jesus, often referred to as the Great Commission, highlight the central mission of the church: to go into the world and make disciples of all nations. The command to “go” emphasizes action, and Jesus promises to be with His followers every step of the way, offering comfort and guidance.
2. Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Explanation: In this verse, Jesus empowers His disciples with the Holy Spirit to be witnesses of His message, starting locally and expanding globally. It reinforces the idea that missions are not confined to specific locations but are a global calling that spans across the world.
3. Romans 10:14-15
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'”
Explanation: This passage emphasizes the importance of preaching and sharing the gospel. It illustrates the need for missionaries to go and deliver the message so that others can hear and believe. It also highlights the beauty and significance of those who bring the message of salvation.
4. Isaiah 6:8
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I. Send me.'”
Explanation: This powerful moment in the prophet Isaiah’s life shows his willingness to respond to God’s call for missions. His heartfelt response, “Here am I. Send me,” should serve as a model for Christians today, ready to answer God’s call to serve wherever He leads.
5. Matthew 9:37-38
“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'”
Explanation: Jesus recognizes the great need for workers in His harvest field. This verse calls Christians to not only pray for more laborers but also to be ready to step into the harvest themselves, meeting the spiritual needs of a world longing for salvation.
6. 2 Corinthians 5:20
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
Explanation: As ambassadors for Christ, believers are entrusted with the responsibility of sharing the message of reconciliation with others. This verse emphasizes the role of Christians as representatives of God, tasked with spreading His message of salvation.
7. John 20:21
“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.'”
Explanation: Just as God sent Jesus to the world to bring salvation, He now sends His followers to continue that mission. This verse reinforces the idea of missions as a continuation of Christ’s work on earth, with believers taking on the responsibility to share the good news.
8. Mark 16:15
“And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'”
Explanation: This simple yet profound command urges believers to go into every corner of the world to spread the gospel. It is a call to action, motivating Christians to reach out to all people, regardless of culture or background, with the message of Jesus Christ.
9. Acts 13:47
“For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'”
Explanation: This verse reminds believers of their role in being a light to the world. As God’s chosen people, we are called to bring His salvation to those who have not yet heard the gospel, reaching the farthest corners of the earth.
10. 1 Chronicles 16:24
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.”
Explanation: This verse highlights the importance of declaring God’s greatness to all nations. Missions are not just about bringing people to faith, but also about sharing the glory and majesty of God with the world, encouraging others to recognize His marvelous works.
11. Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.”
Explanation: Jesus quotes this passage to announce His mission on earth. His purpose was to bring good news, freedom, and healing. This mission continues through His followers today, who are called to carry this message to a world in need of hope.
12. Psalm 96:3
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.”
Explanation: This verse echoes the message of missions: to declare God’s glory and share His marvelous deeds with the world. It calls believers to actively spread the message of God’s greatness, making His works known far and wide.
13. 2 Timothy 4:2
“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”
Explanation: This verse emphasizes the importance of readiness in proclaiming the gospel, whether in favorable or difficult times. It encourages believers to preach the word consistently, with patience, and with a heart of teaching and correction when needed.
14. Romans 15:20
“And thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation.”
Explanation: Paul’s ambition was to take the gospel to places where it had not yet been preached, showing the importance of reaching the unreached. This verse encourages believers to prioritize missions in areas that have yet to hear the message of Christ.
15. Revelation 7:9
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.”
Explanation: This beautiful vision from Revelation illustrates the ultimate goal of missions—people from every nation, tribe, and language coming together in worship before God. It reminds us that missions are not just about individual conversions, but about the fulfillment of God’s plan for all nations.
Conclusion
These Bible verses about missions offer both inspiration and clarity on the importance of spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. Whether through preaching, teaching, or serving in our communities, each believer has a unique role to play in God’s mission.
May these verses inspire you to reflect on your own calling and encourage you to take part in fulfilling the Great Commission.
If these verses resonated with you, we’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, your favorite Bible verses about missions, or your personal experiences with missions in the comments below.
Let’s keep the conversation going and encourage one another in our faith journeys!