I like the notion of attaching in points #3 and #4. It brings to mind the vine and branches of John 15. That abiding helps us realize the mission of Jesus.

Am I going too far with your thought “by attaching themselves through them to Missional Jesus” by emphasizing *through them* when I think of Jesus’ statement, “Whoever receives you, receives me, and whoever receives me, receives the One who sent me.” Suppose I am a “seeker,” Scot, and you and I engage periodically in redemptive conversation. You are excited to tell me fully and graciously about Jesus and his kingdom. In the process I “receive” you. I like your explanations, your character, your life. Now in receiving you, i.e., welcoming you and your “views” into my life, have I not received Jesus? And if I have received Jesus *through you* have I not then received God the Father? If not, what did Jesus mean? I tend to think that this idea concretizes (?), incarnates Jesus’ real presence in the world. You would have become Jesus to me as a seeker. Is that valid?

John,
No doubt what you say is true and consistent with Matt 10:40-42. To the degree that the person represents Jesus this works.

Wow, Scot, thanks.
Jesus entrusts his views, even his very life to us to pass on to others. To me this emphasizes incarnation over proposition, though I am not anti-proposition because we must communicate with words, too. Yet *life* is passed on, not just statements of “truth.” Reading a book on human reproduction does not produce a baby. There must be life to life encounter. I think that is true with the “gospel.”

Scot,
The whole attchment theme really hit hard as I am working on following up from the Spiritual Formation Forum. As I make room for God to remake me more and more like Christ, the more I won’t just share words about Jesus, but Christ himself through my life. Practicing spiritual disciplines is a way I can attach to God–spirit to Spirit.

Scot-
In point #3 you mention Jesus sharing His mission. Do you mean sharing verbally, or do you mean sharing in the activity (or both)? It seems to be a focus question: is the mission for disciples to go after a stated goal (fishing for men), or is the mission for disciples to focus on Christ, who then reveals details of His mission as their journey w/ Him continues? As people today disciple others, this slight difference could impact how they disciple and in what they encourage their disciple to focus on.

Rick,
Jesus called others to extend his mission — thus Matt 4:23 and 9:35 set the terms of Jesus’ ministry that is filled in from 5:1-9:32. Then Jesus sends the 12 out to do just exactly what he has done between 4:23 and 9:35.