Never the Same Again: Epiphany and Mission (to the World)

The Season of Epiphany, Part 3

Okay. This is going to sound crazy. I am aware.

Well, wait. Let me start here. Have you ever had one of those moments when you’re hit with something so big that you can’t unsee it?

Here’s one: THE FEDEX LOGO.

For my entire life, the Fedex logo just said “Fedex.” Until someone changed my outlook on it forever. Did you know it is designed to have a GIANT ARROW ON THE MIDDLE?

Look…

See it?! Between the “E” and the “X.” I can’t unsee it! I have never been the same again!

Certain realities can be like that. It’s like everything else suddenly revolves around this one revelation. That’s the essence of Epiphany. It’s not just about seeing the light—it’s about realizing that it demands a response.

What is this response? It is one of the most profound themes of Epiphany: mission. If Jesus is the light of the world, and if that light has been revealed to all nations, then what does that mean for us?

Hint: it’s not just about being comfortable. Agh!

The Global Vision

Epiphany is, at its core, a celebration of the global scope of the gospel. It’s the season that reminds us that God’s plan was never limited to one people group, one culture, or one nation. The visit of the Magi—a group of Gentiles from the East—makes this abundantly clear.

The Magi’s journey wasn’t just a beautiful story; it was a declaration. Their visit showed that Jesus came not just for Israel but for the whole world. This idea wasn’t new—it’s been part of God’s plan from the beginning.

Isaiah 49:6 says, “I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (ESV). God’s heart for the nations is unmistakable from Genesis to Revelation.

Jesus reinforces this in Matthew 28:19-20 when he gives the Great Commission: “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” (ESV).

This wasn’t just a suggestion; it was a command—a continuation of the work God had been doing all along.

[[ For what it’s worth, the Magi didn’t wait for someone to bring the news to them. They saw the light, responded to it, and sought Jesus. The heart of mission is seeing the light and moving toward it. ]]

Missio Dei

To understand the call to mission, we need to start with the Missio Dei, or “the mission of God.” This isn’t just about what we do but what God is already doing.

The term Missio Dei reminds us that God is the ultimate missionary. Since Adam and Eve fell, God has been on a mission to restore and redeem creation. It’s not that God has a mission for the church; it’s that God’s mission has a church.

Throughout scripture, we see God’s relentless pursuit of his creation. He calls Abraham to be a blessing to all nations (Genesis 12:1-3). He raises up Israel to be a light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 42:6). And in Jesus, he fulfills his promise, sending his Son to reconcile all things to himself (Colossians 1:19-20).

The Missio Dei isn’t just a theological concept—it’s the heartbeat of Epiphany. It’s the reason we celebrate the light of Christ being revealed to the world. And it’s why we, as his followers, are called to join in his mission.

[[ For what it’s worth, the Missio Dei shifts the focus from what we do for God to what God is already doing. Our job is to align ourselves with his mission—not to invent our own. ]]

Mission in the Church

The early church understood this well. Epiphany wasn’t just about celebrating Jesus’ revelation; it was about living it. The Book of Acts is full of stories of believers who took the gospel to new places, crossing cultural and geographical boundaries to make Jesus known.

Take Pentecost, for example. When the Holy Spirit came, people from every nation under heaven heard the gospel in their own language. It was a moment that symbolized the global nature of God’s mission.

From there, the apostles carried the message far and wide, fueled by the conviction that Jesus wasn’t just their Savior—he was the Savior of the world.

But here’s the thing: mission wasn’t just for the apostles. The early church understood that every believer had a role to play. Some, like Paul and Barnabas, were sent as missionaries. Others supported the mission through prayer, generosity, and hospitality.

The same is true today.

[[ For what it’s worth, mission isn’t about one-size-fits-all involvement. It’s about each of us stepping into the role God has prepared for us—whether that’s going, sending, or equipping. ]]

The Challenges of Mission

Let’s be honest: mission isn’t always comfortable. It’s difficult to step out of our routines or engage with people who might not share our worldview. But Epiphany reminds us that mission isn’t about us. It’s about God and his glory.

Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat this. He tells his followers, “You will be my witnesses… to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8, ESV). But he also promises to empower them through the Holy Spirit. Mission isn’t something we do in our own strength; it’s something God does through us.

Mission also challenges our perspective. Instead of seeing the world as “us vs. them,” Epiphany calls us to see every person as someone made in the image of God.

It’s not about winning arguments or proving a point; it’s about loving people enough to point them to Jesus.

[[ For what it’s worth, mission isn’t about being a hero. It’s about being a servant. The light we carry isn’t our own—it’s a reflection of the light of Christ. ]]

Living the Call to Mission

So, how do we live out the mission of Epiphany? It starts with recognizing that mission is for everyone. If we’ve experienced the light of Christ, we’re called to share it.

One way to start is by praying with purpose. The nations aren’t just faraway places—they’re full of people God loves. Spend time learning about different cultures and the challenges they face. Pray for specific needs, for open doors, and for workers to bring the gospel where it’s needed most.

Another step is to embrace mission where you are. Who in your life needs to see the light of Christ? Maybe it’s a coworker, a neighbor, or someone in your family. Mission doesn’t always mean traveling across the globe. Sometimes, it means opening your heart to the people right in front of you.

Finally, carrying on the theme, live as a light-bearer. Let your words and actions reflect the love, grace, and truth of Jesus. As Paul writes in Philippians 2:15, “Shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life” (ESV). When we live this way, mission becomes less about what we do and more about who we are.

Hopefully, That Made Sense

Epiphany isn’t just about celebrating Jesus as the light of the world—it’s about joining his mission to bring that light to others. The Missio Dei reminds us that God is already at work, drawing people to himself. Our job is to align ourselves with his mission and reflect his light wherever we go.

Don’t just see the light; reflect it—boldly and humbly—for a world that desperately needs Jesus.

Until next time,
Petey