Have you partnered with Jesus?
There is no doubt that Jesus was effective in spreading the good news of the kingdom of God here on earth. But have you considered the partnerships Jesus had that enabled him to accomplish the work the Father had given him to do?
Jesus partnered with his Father and the Holy Spirit. In John 5 we read Jesus saying, “the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing” verse 19. Again, in verse 30 Jesus says, “I can do nothing on my own”.
Although fully God, Jesus operated only out of his humanity during his time on earth. He recognised his human limitations and his need for the Fathers divine direction and help through the Holy Spirit to accomplish his purpose. We see an example of this so clearly when Jesus began his ministry. In Luke 4 we see Jesus ministering in Capernaum, first in the synagogue and afterwards in Simon’s house. Mass crowds gathered and bought the sick and the demon possessed to be healed. Then, the very next day, we see Jesus finding a quiet place to be alone with the Father. When his disciples come looking for him, Jesus says to them “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well”. He had his instructions from the Father and went in the power of the Spirit. This is a scene we see often in the gospels; in fact, the busier ministry got for Jesus the more we see him taking time out in prayer seeking the Fathers will. Jesus could only achieve his purpose in partnership with his Father and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus partnered with other people. In Luke 8:1-3 we see Jesus going “through the cities and villagers, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God”. But do you notice who is with Jesus? It may surprise you … he isn’t alone.
“The twelve were with him”. This may seem obvious but they aren’t the only ones. These twelve are the ones Jesus called to follow him. They are the ones he intentionally trained to share in the ministry of the gospel. Jesus knew his human reach was limited, he knew his time here on earth was limited, he knew his ministry as a man was limited, so he identified and equipped others to multiply his ministry across the world. Jesus modelled a team approach. Even when Jesus sent them out he didn’t send them alone but sent them out as a team of pairs. There are no lone rangers in Jesus’ ministry.
Then we read, “also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities… and many others” were with Jesus. The very people who benefited from Jesus’ ministry were with Jesus. Why? Because they thought he was a nice guy? I am sure they did think he was a nice guy, but more than that they had come to believe in who Jesus was and shared his kingdom purpose. They followed Jesus and participated in the ministry he had been called to. These people were the ones “who provided for them (Jesus and the 12) out of their means”. These women, and the many others, may not have been given the gift of evangelism, they may not have been trained for ministry, but they did use what God had given them and partnered with Jesus and the twelve to see the good news of the kingdom of God spread and multiply.
Do you know why I am sincerely grateful Jesus partnered with his Father and the Spirit? Why I am sincerely grateful Jesus partnered with people? Because I am now one of the beneficiaries of his gospel ministry and, if you believe in Jesus, so are you.
Is evangelism something you do in your own strength, with your own strategy? Jesus is calling you to stop and seek his direction and serve in response to his Spirit. Are you feeling Jesus calling you to follow him and be trained as a minister of the gospel? Today is the day to trust him, respond in obedience and take that step of faith. Do you believe in Jesus? Then you are a beneficiary of his gospel ministry. He invites you to provide further for his gospel workers out of your means.
One response
Praise God,
Very much interesting for wonderfully teachings, it comes a bless to me our community church group.
God bless you as we continue praying for our community church for the gospel of Jesus.
Pastor oyagi.
From Kenya.