Ordinary People, Extraordinary Mission

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Mission

When Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19, NKJV), He wasn’t speaking to scholars, kings, or celebrities. He spoke those world-changing words to a group of everyday men — fishermen, a tax collector, and a few others whose names history nearly forgot. Yet they went on to ignite a movement that continues to this day. Why? Because when ordinary people say “yes” to an extraordinary God, the results are anything but ordinary.

This post is about you. It’s about your neighbor. It’s about the woman who bags groceries and the man who fixes fences. It’s about the 85-year-old who prays daily and the teenager still learning what faith means. The Great Commission wasn’t reserved for the spiritual elite — it’s for every follower of Christ. And the beautiful truth is this: God specializes in using ordinary people for His extraordinary mission.

Jesus' Choice Was Intentional

The disciples were not known for greatness by the world’s standards. Peter was impulsive. Thomas doubted. James and John wanted power. Matthew was considered a traitor by his fellow Jews. And yet, Jesus chose them. Not after they were refined, educated, and polished — but while they were still rough around the edges.

This tells us something critical: Jesus doesn’t call the qualified — He qualifies the called. Your past, your mistakes, your lack of credentials — none of these disqualify you from being used by God. In fact, those very things often become part of the testimony that draws others to Christ.

Paul captures this beautifully in 1 Corinthians 1:27–29:

“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty… that no flesh should glory in His presence” (NKJV).

God delights in turning the world's expectations upside down. He used a shepherd boy to defeat a giant, a prisoner to lead a nation, and a young virgin to carry the Messiah. And He still uses ordinary people like you and me today.

The Mission Is Bigger Than Our Ability

We often hesitate to share our faith because we feel unworthy, unprepared, or inadequate. But the mission we’ve been given — to make disciples of all nations — was never meant to rest on our shoulders alone. Jesus promised His presence, not just His assignment.

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20, NIV).

He didn’t send the disciples out with confidence in themselves, but with confidence in Him. And He sends us out the same way.

When you feel small, remember this: the power is not in the messenger — it’s in the message. God isn’t asking you to be brilliant or bold or flawless. He’s asking you to be available.

Everyday Moments, Eternal Impact

We tend to think of mission as something that happens “over there” — in foreign countries, on missions trips, or from pulpits. But the extraordinary mission of God takes place in ordinary moments: a conversation at the bus stop, a note of encouragement to a grieving friend, a prayer offered in faith, a Bible shared with a coworker.

Jesus didn’t say, “Go to the ends of the earth” and ignore your neighborhood. He said:

“You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8, NIV).

Jerusalem was home. That’s where the disciples lived. The mission starts where you are.

You don’t have to cross the ocean — start by crossing the street. Who’s within your reach today? A friend, a classmate, a family member? Sharing your faith with one person can change the trajectory of their life — and ripple into eternity.

Your Story Matters

Sometimes we feel we don’t have enough knowledge or the right words to say. But one of the most powerful tools for evangelism is your personal story. No one can argue with your testimony — the real, lived experience of how Jesus changed your life.

In Mark 5, Jesus healed a man possessed by many demons. The man begged to go with Jesus, but Jesus told him:

“Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you” (Mark 5:19, NKJV).

That man became one of the first evangelists — just by telling his story.

You don’t have to know every answer. You simply need to know the One who is the Answer. Your story is the bridge that leads others to Christ.

God Works Through Willing Hearts

You may feel ordinary. You may feel unseen. But heaven sees you — and heaven can use you. The mission of God moves forward not just through preachers and missionaries, but through moms and mechanics, teachers and truck drivers, baristas and bankers.

The only qualification for being part of God’s mission is a willing heart.

Isaiah said, “Here am I. Send me.”
Mary said, “Let it be to me according to your word.”
Paul said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

What will you say?

You Are Part of the Story

God is still writing the story of redemption — and He’s writing it through you. Your actions, your faith, your obedience — they matter. You are a vital thread in the tapestry of God’s plan to reach the world.

This extraordinary mission isn't about being extraordinary yourself. It's about trusting an extraordinary Savior.

So go — not because you feel ready, but because the One who calls you is faithful. You may be ordinary, but your mission is divine.

Closing Encouragement

You don’t have to be a preacher to preach the Gospel.
You don’t need a platform to be a witness.
You don’t need perfection to be used by God.

You only need to say yes.

You are ordinary. But you serve an extraordinary God. And He has chosen you for an extraordinary mission.