The Gospel of Matthew tells us this about the ministry of Jesus:
Matthew 9:35-37. Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a d shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. NLT
Here are a few insights we can glean from Jesus' approach to ministry:
- Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages in his region. Note the big picture vision and the strategic approach of achieving it step by step. What is your field of mission?
- Jesus had compassion (to 'feel with') for people. The crowds of people were confused, aimless, without care and leadership. What do you see today when you look at the people around you?
- Jesus provided ministry to meet their felt and real needs. What needs can you meet, what pains can you help heal?
- Jesus saw the harvest opportunities as great but the workers as few. Not much has changed in 2,000 years.
- Jesus prayed for more workers. The need was too great for one or a few people to meet. May we do the same today.