The most familiar passage in God's word includes this statement: "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him" (John 3:16-17). In answering the question, Why has Jesus not yet returned? Peter states, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).

Some of us understand these passages to relate to all human beings, affirming the theological position known as a "general atonement." Others of us affirm a "limited atonement," the position that Christ died only for the elect. But we all agree that these texts teach that God loves all "nations," all the people groups of the world, that no race or nation or geography is excluded from his grace and gospel.

The gospels make clear Jesus' concern for the Gentiles during his earthly ministry. Our Lord sent out the "Seventy" during a time when rabbinic tradition taught this to be the total number of nations scattered by God at the Tower of Babel. The Jews repeatedly referred to the "seventy Gentile peoples" (Luke 10). He extended his grace to a Samaritan woman and her village (John 4). He rewarded a Canaanite woman's faith by the healing of her daughter (Matthew 24).

Jesus healed a centurion's servant in response to his faith (Matthew 8:8). He rode a donkey into Jerusalem, fulfilling the prediction of Zechariah that such a king would rule from sea to sea (Zechariah 9:9-10). During Holy Week, he welcomed Greeks to himself (John 12:23).

And he consistently stated his mandate for his followers to reach the entire world. His Great Commission requires us to make disciples of "all nations" (Matthew 28:19). He called his house a "house of prayer for all nations" (Mark 11:17). He promised that his gospel shall be preached to all nations (Matthew 24:14), to the whole world (Matthew 26:13).

In summary, he was the "Savior of the world" (John 4:42). He calls us to share his burden for the lost nations we must reach. Until we feel his compassion for them, no amount of theological persuasion or missionary strategy will move us to sacrificial action. Our hearts must be close enough to his to share his passion for the world. If I love my wife, I love those she loves. Fulfilling the global missions mandate is first a matter of our heart condition.

Are you willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill your role in taking Jesus to your world? If not, are you willing to be made willing?