This Sunday we will look at Luke 19:1-10, as we talk about the mission of Jesus, “To Seek And To Save The Lost.” 

This text is key to understanding Luke’s gospel, and reveals the heart of our Lord so beautifully and clearly.  It is his mission statement. 

Of course, His mission is our mission! 

Speaking of a heart for the lost, one person who exemplified this as powerfully as anyone I have ever known is J.C. Mitchell, who was Senior Pastor of FBC-Suffolk from 1957-1966.  JC went home to be with Jesus this week at the age of 95.  I can hardly begin to express how thankful I am for his life and influence.  What a massive impact he made on our church, including people like my mom and dad, who grew greatly as disciples under his ministry.  Even though I am too young to remember him as my pastor, through his influence on my parents and our church, he was indirectly influencing me for Christ.  Later, when God called me to be a pastor, JC reached out to me and has been a direct influence on me, as a mentor and constant encourager.  He called me last week to tell me that he was going into a hospice facility.  He knew we might not get another chance to talk this side of heaven, and wanted to express his love for me.  I told him how much I loved and appreciated him, and thanked him for being an incredible role model and encourager and friend.  I asked him if I could pray.  I prayed and thanked the Lord for JC’s life, and for the Risen Savior that he would welcome him home soon.  After we prayed, JC said, “I love you.  I’ll see you there.”  He was talking about heaven.  

One of JC’s greatest sermons was called “The Seven Wonders Of Heaven.” When I was a seminary student I listened to that cassette tape many, many times on my way back and forth to Southeastern.  Let us thank God that those wonders are now reality for JC, as faith has become sight. 

I’ll see you on Sunday, with a Bible in my hand…    

By His Grace, For His Glory, To The Nations, 

Dr. Thurman Hayes, Jr.