Last week at church we looked at how Jesus, the early church and the Apostle Paul ministered. The key verses was Romans 15:17-20 where Paul talks about leading people to Christ through what he has said and done, and in the power of the Spirit. It is this combination of compassion, preaching and signs and wonders that has a tremendous impact on growing the kingdom. I have a huge passion that we as a church should learn to minister like this.
Again this week we will be looking at how Jesus ministered. The key verse will be Matthew 9:35-37; “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
We hear several times in the Gospels that Jesus is moved by compassion. This is always in response to encountering need, whether it be physical, spiritual or material need. The difference between how we often minister to how Jesus ministers is that he does it with the resources and ways of God. Out of compassion he brings the good news of the kingdom through teaching, preaching and signs and wonders.
Of course the next verse in Matthew 9 is about the harvest field being plentiful and the workers being few. My sense from this passage is that Jesus is saying that if only we learn to minister like this and be available to be used by God, then we will have amazing opportunities to see people impacted by the kingdom.
How often do we see someone in need and put off ministering to them?
How often do we sense God speaking to us about helping someone and we ignore the call?
How often when faced with need do we try and use our own power and strength rather than God’s to help?
See you on Sunday – we will have plenty of space for ministry at the end of the service. Feel encouraged to minister with compassion, truth and power!
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