In what ways do we see vision as a characteristic modeled by Jesus? - Vision - TouchPoints

Matthew 16:15-19Then he [Jesus] asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

Jesus’ vision for his followers included his constant awareness of his Father’s work within them, demonstrated in God’s giving Peter insight he wouldn’t otherwise have had. Jesus’ vision also included his confident anticipation of the eventual victory of his church over all opposition. Effective and godly vision never overlooks God’s essential role in its hope-filled future.

Matthew 28:17-20When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Jesus’s vision for his disciples informed his commission of them to go throughout the entire world, assured of his ongoing presence, to share the good news about him. Effective vision includes a meaningful role for others.

Luke 22:21-27“But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me. For it has been determined that the Son of Man must die. But what sorrow awaits the one who betrays him.” The disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing. Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.”

Jesus’ vision for his disciples included the fact that one would betray him, but it also was filled with the picture of a great kingdom of servants that would transform the world in his name. Effective vision recognizes the inevitable setbacks brought on by sin and selfishness, but it also sees the eventual victory of God’s work through his servants.

Luke 22:31-37“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.” But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you did not have money, a traveler’s bag, or extra clothing, did you need anything?” “No,” they replied. “But now,” he said, “take your money and a traveler’s bag. And if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one! For the time has come for this prophecy about me to be fulfilled: ‘He was counted among the rebels.’ Yes, everything written about me by the prophets will come true.”

Jesus’ vision for his disciples included their fragile faith, their unavoidable failures, and their ultimate survival. Effective vision is truthful about God’s essential role in the fulfillment of what is foreseen.

Acts 1:8“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Much like Abram’s experience, the followers of Jesus were sent out on a journey with a purpose to convey the reality of God and his saving action for the world. Jesus vision included the empowering and the results; the details continue to be worked out.