The Ministry of Jesus

To be a disciple of Christ means that we study Him, follow Him, and imitate Him.  In studying His ministry, there are three attributes that stand out.  Jesus was bold, mission-minded and faithful to Biblical teachings.  These are attributes that His followers should imitate. 

• Bold.  According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, bold is an adjective meaning not afraid of danger or difficult situations.  Jesus was bold in dealing with difficult people and difficult circumstances.  The people of God should walk through life with boldness.  We can face whatever comes our way with courage because God is with us.  Is there room for more boldness in your life?  Talk to God about why you are afraid.  Many times we are afraid of what could be and not what is.  Often, our “could be” never becomes a reality.  Explore ways that you can demonstrate the boldness of Jesus in your life.  (see Joshua 1:5-9)
• Mission-minded.  Early in His life, Jesus established that His priority was to do the work of the Father (Luke 2:49).  Stephen Covey said, “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”  The church exists to demonstrate the love of God and help win souls for Christ.  The only way a church can be mission-minded is if the people who make up the church are mission minded.  The mission of reaching the lost and strengthening the saved must become a personal goal in your life.  What are ways that you can integrate the mission of the church into your everyday life?  What can you do to move from knowing the mission to living the mission?
• Faithful to Biblical Teachings.  To truly be a disciple of Christ, there must be a commitment to the words of Jesus (John 8:31-32).  In order to be faithful to God’s word, we must value the word, learn the word and live by the word.  Which is your area of strength?  Where is there opportunity for growth?  What is your strategy for personal growth with the word? 

This week, look for opportunities to be bold, demonstrate your commitment to the mission, and spend more time in learning and applying God’s word.