Read Mt 4.23-24, Mk 1.35-39, Lk 4.42-44
Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people. The news about Him spread throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them.
(Matthew 4:23-24)
The main of objective of Jesus’ job description was to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. His method was healing and exercising people as He went. It was not His preaching that attracted most people, it was the secondary purpose of helping people that brought them out. He did not hesitate in healing their physical infirmities but He was mostly concerned for their spiritual brokenness. So the Kingdom message was always coupled with His service. Mark and Luke pick up on the Kingdom focus in their respective accounts.
Satan is the great mover of the pendulum to its extremes. I’ve seen people cross the oceans to help needy people who are unwilling to serve in their community. I’ve seen “Christian” deeds being done where not one spiritual word is said, not even the name of Jesus for fear that it will offend. I’ve witnessed the “be warm, be filled” that James talks about (Jam 2.16), and people with legitimate needs are turned away. I’ve watched the gospel be used as a weapon to repel the undesirable. How have I been so close to such spiritual atrocities? I am the one who committed them! Satan has a way of taking good and turning it into bad and I am often his vehicle. Watching Jesus share the Kingdom of God with others while serving them is the antidote to the extremes. Following His example keeps me from neglecting a person’s real needs while being able to address the main need, knowing Christ.
Tips for a balanced approach to sharing the Gospel
· Be an aggressive servant
· Keep your eyes open to people in need
· Don’t cross the ocean until you cross the street
· Have both first aid kits ready (Physical and Spiritual)
· Do not dress people in tuxedos to send them to Hell
· Give the reason for your kindness, Jesus
· Use the Word of God to salt your conversation
· Save some for tomorrow
· Use heart, brain, feet, hands, and mouth for the Kingdom
“The lifestyle without the Word is a mystery; the Word without the lifestyle is hypocrisy.” Chuck Swindoll
FJ53
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