Some of you may be familiar with one of the many Mission Impossible movies. These movies are a series of American action spy films that focus on a main character Ethan Hunt: an agent of the Impossible Missions Force (IMF). Each movie highlights a new feat for Ethan to overcome in order to save something or somebody. As Ethan hears each new assignment, he’s given the message, “your mission, Mr. Hunt, should you choose to accept is….” Following this precursor, then Ethan hears what he is to do, and what the dangers will be.
In many ways, this invitation given to Ethan is a similar invitation given to us as disciples of Jesus. If we’re honest, the readings we heard in worship this past weekend were intense and didn’t mince any words about the potential costs, and dangers, of living as a disciple of Jesus. And yet, still, Jesus called his disciples – and calls us – to follow.
But why should we accept this mission when there is potential for danger? When it may come at a cost? And when it may ask something of us?
Perhaps we accept this mission for similar reasons that Ethan accepts his missions: because he is determined to protect those he cares about, because he is convinced there there is a better vision for the world without the threat of evil, and because he believes in his cause. In the same way, as followers of Jesus, we may accept our mission to join as disciples for the sake of others in the world – so that they might know the truth of Jesus. Or, we may accept our mission because we are convinced that, through Christ, there is a better vision for the world. Or, we may accept our mission because we firmly believe in the cause of Christ.
We may accept Christ’s mission for any of these reasons. But even beyond these reasons, we accept Christ’s mission because in giving ourselves to Christ and to Christ’s mission we actually find life.
It seems counterintuitive that life is found in what’s given up, or that life is found within what might be considered “dangerous.” But in love, Christ calls us to follow: trusting that our God values us more than many sparrows, and trusting that in in giving ourselves to Christ and each other, we will find life.
So as you continue to walk as a disciple of Jesus, consider the mission put before you. After our readings from Sunday, it may seem like a mission impossible to pick up this mission. But in and through Christ, we are given newness of life…sending us forth to make possible what may seem impossible.