Actually, this series is from Understanding Bible Truth booklets by Robert Hicks and Richard Bewes (1981), but I have expanded some texts for modern readers (to make it easier to read) and added Scripture quotes (I’m using ESV Bible) into these writings to clarify its points more clearly. My purpose of making this series available in the internet is single: So that you can be clear the essential facts about the Bible’s teaching in a readily understandable form.
First, What is so Great about Jesus’ Ministry?
Jesus was unlike any prophet or religious teacher who ever lived. By His authority and deeds and by His example and the power of His teaching, He challenged His hearers to believe in Him as the unique Son of God. “The arrival of Jesus”, writes Eugene Peterson in his introduction of The Message’s New Testament, “signaled the beginning of a new era. God entered history in a personal way, and made it unmistakably clear that he is on our side, doing everything to save us. It was all presented and worked out in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It was, and is, hard to believe – seemingly too good to be true.”
Here are keys main aspects of His ministry:
Authority that Convinced
The authority with which Jesus taught amazed the people who heard Him. The prophets of old repeatedly declared, “The Lord says…” But Christ’s frequent phrase was, “But I say to you…” He directed His hearers towards Himself. For example, Jesus said;
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28. See also 5:21-22, 24-29).
The Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day took their authority from the great teachers of the past, but Christ taught in His own name and authority. “But I say to you…”
Parables that Provoked
The teaching of Jesus Christ was given in terms and images understood in daily life, and this is particularly true of His unforgettable parables which both concealed and revealed truth. [Parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson]. People would often be captive by the Story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) or the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21), only to discover that the parable had been about themselves.
Miracles that Confirmed
Christ’s authority was further demonstrated by His miracles. The wind and the waves were obedient to His command (example from Mark 4:39, “[Jesus] awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm”), and even the dead were brought back to life (example from John 11:43-44, “[Jesus] cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out…”).
But most of His miracles were acts of healing that were part of His mission of love. They also pointed to His identity as the Son of God and to the coming of God’s Kingdom.
Compassion that Attracted
Christ’s deep concern for people was born from His understanding that man is created in God’s own image, but that man is also fallen and lives in a fallen world. The Scripture says, “When [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).
Because of this, Christ showed care and concern for individual. This can be seen in His many encounters with the bereaved, the sick and the demon-possessed. The crowds were quick to recognize the high value that Jesus places on the individual, and they came to Him in large numbers. “When the great crowd heard all that [Jesus] was doing, they came to him. And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him...” (Mark 3:8-9).
Training that Prepared
Towards the beginning of the second year of Jesus’ public ministry, the Twelve Disciples were chosen to share in His work of teaching, preaching and healing. These men learned from Christ’s example and from the private instruction He gave them. He also trained them for their future work as they (and some 70 others) were sent out 2 by 2 to do His work (Read Matthew 10 for details).
The twelve did not understand all that was being taught them at the time, but their training was to be vitally important in the future development of the church.
Controversy that Challenged
From the outset the words and actions of Jesus had a controversial cutting edge that finally provoked a collision between Himself and the Jewish authorities. Jesus clashed with the Jewish leaders over the following issues:
§ That He mixed with sinners,
§ Challenged traditions,
§ Liberated the Sabbath,
§ and that He claimed to be God
[Example, Mark 2:5-7, 15-16; Matthew 23:13-36, 26:62-66]
My Conclusion about Main Aspects of Jesus’ Ministry
It is a remarkable fact that while Jesus directed His hearers toward Himself, He never at any time gave the impression of being conceited, arrogant or selfish. I like what Sholem Asch writes, “Jesus Christ is to me the outstanding personality of all time, all history, both as Son of God and as Son of Man. Everything he ever said or did has value for us today and that is something you can say of no other man, dead or alive. There is no easy middle ground to stroll upon. You either accept Jesus or reject him.” May you accept Him as your Lord and Savior. Amen.
THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.
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