This Sunday we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Ottawa Church of Christ by looking back at our beginnings and forward to the mission that continues. Just as Jesus began His ministry by preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:17), He called ordinary people—fishermen, a tax collector, even doubters—to build a kingdom unlike any other.
Through teaching, compassion, and healing, Jesus revealed that His mission was not about earthly power but about transforming lives. Every encounter with Him brought change—the leper restored, the centurion’s faith honored, and countless lives turned toward God.
Today, that mission is ours. Jesus’ final words remind us: “Go and make disciples of all nations… And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20).
Thirty years ago, a small mission team planted seeds of faith in Ottawa. Those seeds have grown into a community of people from many nations, united by Christ. As we celebrate God’s faithfulness, we recommit ourselves to the same mission: to proclaim the good news, serve with compassion, and invite others into the kingdom of God
Sermon outline
Introduction
- Celebration of 30 years since the Ottawa mission team arrived (23 people: couples, singles, campus students).
- Reflection: God placed Ottawa on our hearts, and He has sustained His mission here.
- Connection to Jesus’ ministry: our mission continues His mission.
The Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry
- Matthew 4:17 – Jesus begins by preaching: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
- Context: 400 years of silence, the Jews longed for God’s kingdom.
- Misunderstanding: They expected a military kingdom, but Jesus came with a spiritual one.
Application: God’s kingdom is not about earthly power but spiritual transformation.
The Calling of the Disciples
- Matthew 4:18–22 – Jesus calls fishermen (Peter, Andrew, James, John).
- Unlikely candidates: not scholars, not warriors.
- His kingdom would be built by ordinary people following an extraordinary Savior.
Application: Jesus calls us as we are, but sends us to “fish for people.”
The Pattern of Jesus’ Ministry
- Matthew 4:23 – Teaching, proclaiming the good news, healing every disease.
- His mission: not to conquer with force but to transform lives with truth and compassion.
- Warning: Don’t accept a counterfeit Jesus – true disciples imitate His mission.
Application: Our mission must also be teaching, caring, proclaiming, and serving.
Encounters that Show His Authority
- The Leper (Matthew 8:1–4)
- Jesus touches the untouchable.
- He reintegrates the outcast back into community.
- Demonstrates compassion and healing power.
- The Centurion (Matthew 8:5–13)
- A Roman soldier calls Jesus “Lord.”
- Shows faith that amazes even Jesus.
- Lesson: True faith recognizes Jesus’ authority and trusts His word.
Application: Where is our faith? Do we believe Jesus can work powerfully in our lives today?
The Great Commission – Passing the Mission to Us
- Matthew 28:18–20 – Jesus declares all authority in heaven and on earth.
- Commands us: Go, make disciples of all nations, baptize, teach, obey.
- Promise: “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Application: The mission is not finished. Jesus hands it to us.
Conclusion
- Every encounter with Jesus changes lives – for eternity.
- The mission of 30 years ago in Ottawa is the same mission today:
- Teach the word.
- Show compassion.
- Proclaim the kingdom.
- Invitation: Join the mission of Jesus Christ and live for His eternal kingdom.