Small-Group Teacher Don't Teach Merely Deep Theological Truth, but Use Stories (Visuals and Illustrations)

Many people are visual learners. Mental pictures always help to focus a message and make it easier to remember. Be practical in your teaching and use illustrations people can readily understand.

Jesus constantly used parables or story illustrations that conveyed a spiritual meaning when He taught. “All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them” (Matthew 13:34). Jesus knew that spiritual things are often not tangible until we “see” a natural illustration that points us to the spiritual implication. Jesus used mental pictures of a sower sowing seeds or a lost sheep or a hidden treasure. These pictures helped the people understand what He was saying. A good teacher will use stories describing current events or famous people to relate a spiritual concept to the people he is teaching.

I once read Charles H. Spurgeon’s sermons, the prince of preachers of the late 1800s. I was amazed that two-thirds of the content of his sermons were illustrations. This preacher, who led millions of people to his Lord Jesus, knew the importance of using stories and illustrations to help people understand spiritual concepts.

Some of the greatest illustrations you can give as teacher are those of your own life. When I teach on salvation from the Scripture, after I expound the Word and use character examples, as for practical application I give my own testimony. When I teach on singleness, I use examples from my own life. When I teach on forgiveness, I shared about my struggles. People love stories! Deep theological talks are beneficial, but stories are more useful, it help them to remember spiritual truth better.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Simple Book Review: Sting in the Tail (The Parables as Oriental Stories)

Sting in the Tail: The Parables as Oriental Stories (1998) by Dr. Kim Tan

The Gospel stories are eternal and Jesus’ parables are timeless, speaking to all people in all ages and cultures. But one thing is important, very important to understand that: Jesus was Jewish, born in the land of Israel, and bound to Middle Eastern cultures. What Dr Kim writes here is a superb introduction to the parables of Jesus which can be greatly understood (or make much sense) when we read it in their oriental setting.

Because most of my personal reading on commentaries on the Bible are mainly written by Western scholars and theologians, I noticed sometime that the examples and the way the parables were interpreted are a bit off from the oriental background. I’m an Iban and Dr. Kim is Chinese, so the background was somewhat quite familiar to us Asians. This book “is an oriental interpretation with many fresh insights into the social background against which they were originally told,” writes David Pawson. “Kim Tan has succeeded in sharpening the point of these stories with a sting in the tale, making them real and relevant to East and West today.” I agree! I gained new insights especially on Luke 11 and Luke 16.

Contents:

Preface

Introduction

1. The Two Debtors (Luke 7)

2. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10)

3. The Friend at Midnight (Luke 11)

4. The Banquet (Luke 14)

5. The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin (Luke 15)

6. The Lost Sons (Luke 15)

7. The Prudent Steward (Luke 16)

8. The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16)

9. The Judge and the Widow (Luke 18)

10. The Talents (Luke 19)

11. Zacchaeus (Luke 19)

Dr Kim Tan grew up in Malaysia but lives in the UK. He is a biochemist, writer and Bible teacher [I met him once at SIB KL during his preaching as guest speaker]. I also like his interview in a book by John Ng and Alvin Foo’s Heart to Heart with Asian Leaders (2016) entitled The Failed Again Leader (page 130). He is a humble man. I recommend this book.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus' Kingdom grow Quietly and Abundantly (At First, it is Indistinguishable)

Wheat and weeds look very similar, it takes an experienced eyes to discern between them

“’The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew. The farmer’s workers went to him and said, ‘Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?’ ‘An enemy has done it!’ the farmer explained. ‘Should we pull out the weeds?’ they asked. ‘No,’ he replied, ‘you’ll uproot the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.’” (Matthew 13:24-30, NLT).

Jesus explained that the Kingdom grows quietly and abundantly, but evil still exists in the world. As Jesus provides the meaning of this parable in Matthew 13:36-39, he revealed that himself, the “Son of Man” is the farmer; the “field” is the world; the “good seed” symbolizes God’s people; the “weeds” are Satan’s people; the “enemy” is Satan; and the “harvesters” are angels. A common practice in ancient warfare and feuds was to destroy the enemy’s agriculture. Thus, the presence of Satan’s people among the people of God would weaken them. So it seems.

At first, the weeds and wheat are indistinguishable; eventually, however, the differences become obvious. At harvest time, harvesters remove the weeds and get rid of them. The “weeds” may be people in the church (and of course the world too) who appear to be believers, called themselves ‘Christian’, but who never truly believe. Later, the apostles would battle the problem of false teachers who had come from within the ranks of the believers (see, for example, 2 Peter 2:1-3; 13-22), and this problem is still exist even today – until Jesus’ second coming.

As new believers begin to mature in faith, their lives begin to reflect the Holy Spirit’s work, affecting values, perspectives, priorities, attitudes, and actions. Those who aren’t true followers of Christ, however, continue to reflect the values and attitudes of the world. Eventually, the truth will be revealed, and God will judge righteously and send each group to their deserved eternal destination. For the “weeds”, whose who “cause sin” and “do evil” (Matthew 13:41), that will be terrible. But “the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom” (Matthew 13:43).

Think about this: God is the ultimate judge of who truly belongs to him. We should be slow to judge others, realizing people have different levels of spiritual maturity. Only God knows their hearts. Instead, we can lovingly share the gospel, teach, encourage, and comfort and discipline, when necessary, leaving the final judgment to him. As for you and me, Jesus said we can tell a lot about people by their “fruit”, how they act and what they produce (Matthew 7:20), so what “fruit” are we producing that shows we belongs to Jesus? How our values, perspectives, attitudes, and actions differ from those who don’t know Christ? It is very well with our souls if we can ask these crucial questions to ourselves and examine our own hearts in the light of Christ’ gracious mercy and love. Amen.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus calls Us to Be like Light Shining in the Darkness (Spread the Truth)

Is this the kind of lamp Jesus talking about? Somewhat?

“Then Jesus asked them [his disciples], ‘Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.’ Then he added, ‘Pay close attention to what you her. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given – and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them’” (Mark 4:21-25, NLT).

Jesus probably was speaking to the disciples with the crowd gathered around them. Here in the Gospel of Mark, the discussion of “a lamp”, “a basket”, and “understanding” appear immediately after Jesus’ explanation of the parable of the farmer, seeds, and soils (Matthew 13:3-12. Some accounts in Matthew are parallel with Mark at several places). 

A “lamp” was a lighted wick in a clay bowl full of oil. The lamp would never be lit and then put “under a basket or under a bed.” It would be put on its stand in order to illuminate the room. In the same way, the purpose of the parables (in fact, all the parables that Jesus told) was not to conceal the truth for those who “listen and understand” but to reveal it. For those who are “not listening”, however, the parables become a stumbling blocks for them and thus “what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”

Jesus was telling the disciples that the benefits of knowing him were to be passed on, like light shining in darkness. They should “pay close attention” so they would know the truth and be able to share it with others. Jesus added that those who “listen and understand” would continue to grow because they let God’s Word make a difference in their lives; but those who listen casually would miss the point entirely. What can you do and ask from God to “pay close attention” to Jesus and his teachings?

No Secret Please!
What Jesus told his disciples privately, we must share with others. God’s truth requires a clear and helpful explanation to the world. As light fills a room, God’s Word drives out spiritual darkness. Disciples must participate in revealing God’s truth to the world through witness in word (such as preaching and singing) and deed (helping the hungry people). We dare not hide something as important as God’s truth in a closet. How vocal and active is your witness? Maybe it’s time to bring it out of hide.
From: Life Application Bible Commentary: Mark, p.112

Think about this: Christ’s Message about God’s Kingdom is intended for everyone. At times, believers seem to hide their faith from the watching world, as if putting their light under a basket. But Jesus calls us to spread the truth about the Kingdom, scattering seeds (Matthew 13:3-12) and shining light. We can only share what we know, so we should be diligent about listening and learning from the Master. In due time, God will lead us to those whom we can help with what we know. Regardless of your level of spiritual maturity, “let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:16).

Ask God to help you as you focus you attention on him (In prayer and reading of the Word).

Ask for the Holy Spirit to quicken your understanding and interest. Amen.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus wants People to Think (Listen, Understand and Obey)

So Jesus told a parable.. to make people think. 

Jesus had made unmistakable claims about his true identity, and the division was growing between those who accepted and those who rejected them. The religious leaders had already decided Jesus was not the Messiah. The crowds who followed him, listening to his teaching and observing his miracles, wondered if Jesus could be the “Son of David” (Matthew 12:23), but their leaders told them he was not.

Jesus began using stories to get his listeners to think. These “parables” in all of the Gospel stories, hid the truth from those who had already made up their minds to reject Jesus. Those who truly wanted to know Jesus, however, would understand his words (and at least want, desire to understand it). This first parable features a farmer, seeds, and soils. In ancient Israel, farmers sowed the seeds by hand. Walking across the field, the farmer would plant the seeds by scattering handfuls of seed from a large bag slung across the shoulders.

Here is the first parable. Jesus said, “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and chocked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand” (Matthew 13:3-9, NLT).

What does this parable mean? Jesus explained it all in Matthew 13:18-23. Jesus told the disciples that the types of soil in his parable represent the ways that people respond to the Gospel message. Some have hearts so hard, like the “footpath” that the Word of God makes no impression on them. They hear but don’t understand, and Satan, like the birds in the story, snatches the seeds. “Rocky soil,” however, are people who seem to accept God’s Good News but their faith is shallow, not deep or real, and it doesn’t take hold. These people abandon their faith at the first sign of problems or persecution. Then, the seeds that fall among “thorns” sprout and take hold but produce no fruit because they are soon crowded out by weeds – the “worries of this life and the lure of wealth” (Matthew 13:22). These seem to be true believers, but they don’t grow in their faith. At last, other people are like the “fertile” or “good soil” (Matthew 13:23) – they hear the Word and accept it. The seeds penetrate, take root, flourish, and produce fruit. These are the true disciples – those who accept Jesus, believe his Word, and allow him to make a difference in their lives.

Think about this: Satan deceiving acts, worldly worries, the false sense of security brought on by prosperity, and the desire for material things plagued first-century disciples just as they do us today (I’m thinking of my students who will be graduated soon and will enter the workplace-world). Daily routines overcrowd and materialistic pursuits distract believers, choking out God’s Word so that it produces no fruit. God wants us to weed out those thorns, to be fertile ground for his seeds planted in us. “You [that means, us] are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven”, said Jesus, “but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them” (Matthew 13:11-12, bracket mine). What type of soil [your heart] are you?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus' Parable that Will Encourage 9.5% Christians in Malaysia (A Reflection on Mark 4:30-32)

“What shall we say the Kingdom of God is like?” asked Jesus. “What parable shall we use to explain it? It is like this. A man takes a mustard seed, the smallest seed in the world, and plants it in the ground. After a while it grows up and becomes the biggest of all plants. It puts out such large branches that the birds come and make their nests in its shade” (Mark 4:30-32, GNB).

This is the last of Jesus’ series of parables in the Book of Mark. What is the Kingdom of God is like? In the previous parable Jesus was telling that the Kingdom growth caused by the Word (sharing and living) is illustrated as hidden from us, yet it growth gradually, and in the end it will produce fruit. This is sure. (To Read click HERE). In case we don’t get it – especially for people like me – Jesus now gave another parable to illustrate “the Kingdom of God.” But first, as urbanized-Malaysian citizen, I need to ask this question: What is this “mustard seed” that Jesus is talking about?

Thanks to Google and Wikipedia, I manage to find the answer that I need to know. The seed is generally considered to be a black mustard seed. When it grow it can reach up to 9 feet (or 2.7 meter) tall. It is, however, is not technically “the smallest seed in the world” but the smallest seeds sown in a garden and to the hearers of Jesus’ day, a mustard seed is the smallest seeds they have ever known. The potential in this small seed is enormous. “It grows up and become the biggest of all plants [in the garden].” Soon, its branches become rigid, and the plant often serves as a shelter for birds of many kinds. “The birds come and make their nests in its shade.” The tree now become a blessing. Very useful!

The meaning of this parable is quite clear: the Kingdom of God would have a small beginning and then increases mightily and usefully that it would be beneficial to the whole world. Imagine “the twelve disciples and others who were gathered around” Jesus would felt when they heard this (Mark 4:10). This small band would be a part of something that would grow bigger and bless the world immensely. It is happening today! Imagine this: there are only about 9.5% Christians in Malaysia today but if God’s Word is true, if this minority are faithful to God, God can (will!) do great things in Malaysia despite its small numbers. Wherever we are, the Kingdom of God is destined to be awesome regardless of its small beginnings. Trust in Jesus. Have faith in Jesus. Abide in Jesus, the King of kings. Let the Word of God spread among the nations!

The Kingdom of God is looking for…

People who have vision, faithful and passionate for Jesus

People who are willing to put the Kingdom of God first in their lives and bless others.

People who are willing to abide in Him forever.

Are you the one?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus on the Process of Spiritual Growth (Mark 4:26-29)

The parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-20) is the parable of the parables. “Don’t you understand this parable?” Jesus asked his disciples and us today, “How, then, will you ever understand any parable?” (Mark 4:13). Thus, it is important for us to understand first or to read through again the parable of the Sower before we study the parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29) and the parable of the Mustard Seed (4:30-32). It will be must easier to understand other parables too (Click HERE to read my previous reflection).

Jesus went on the say, “The Kingdom of God is like this. A man scatters the seed in his field. He sleeps at night, is up and about during the day, and all the while the seeds are sprouting and growing. Yet he does not know how it happens. The soil itself makes the plants grow and bear fruit; first the tender stalk appears, then the head, and finally the head full of grain. When the grain is ripe, the man starts cutting it with his sickle, because harvest time has come” (Mark 4:26-29, GNB).

Whenever we read a parable like this, we must remember that: it is a parable. The truth is there but don’t try to over-spiritualize every details. For believers, the obvious is the core message. In essence this parable is about the mystery of how God’s Word grow in the hearts of men. It is about the process of spiritual growth in the Kingdom of God. I’m encourage by this parable because even if I don’t know how God’s Word grow in people’s lives, but as I “sows God’s message” (Mark 4:14), regardless of how much people “hear the message” (4:20), I know that sooner or later it will produce “the fruit.” Therefore, I’m very comfortable with this mystery.

“[The sower] does not know how it happens.” The process of growth is hidden from us. Before I seriously studied this parable, I thought that there are ‘secrets’ formulas that we have to know to advance the Gospel and there are some persuasive evangelism techniques that we should mastered before we witness to people. I failed to realize the element of mystery in God’s Kingdom. This extra dimension is what missing from my personal witness and understanding of spiritual growth. I thank Jesus for this parable! Another truth I learned is that the growth is gradual. As the man in this parable sleep, “the seeds are sprouting”; as he get up, the seed are “growing.” The growth starts small, slowly but keep on growing.

The seeds sprout mysteriously, hidden, gradual and slowly but surely it will grow! The growth is sure. It will eventually be “full of grain.” I like to end this reflection with an encouragement: Share God’s Word as much as possible, as frequent as possible, as faithful as possible. Never give up, never get tired, never pull out. Speak the Word, live the Word, share the Word. You might never get to see how “the seeds” of God’s Word may grow in people’s lives but remember that it will grow hidden within their hearts, it will gradually grow day by day. And if “the soil” (4:28) is good, the growth is sure! Friend, the “harvest time [will and] has come.” Where is your “sickle”?

“The Kingdom of God is like this.”

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus “the Secret” (A Reflection on Mark 4:11-12)

As I studied the Gospel of Mark, I was puzzled with Mark 4:11-12. Jesus said this to His disciples when they asked to explain the parable of the sower: “You have been given the secret of the Kingdom of God” (Mark 4:11, GNB). The secret of the Kingdom of God? What secret?

The word “secret” is the same as “mystery” in other translations. In the New Testament, secret or mystery meant something previously hidden which God had now revealed. But what is the secret or mystery of the Kingdom? It is like the no. 1 best-selling book The Secret edited by Rhonda Byrne? Or is it like the secret of Malaysia’s Internal Security Act (ISA) operations?

As I read through the Gospel stories, some commentaries and Bible Study notes, I find that there are three main possibilities of meaning:

First, the secret is God’s kingly power and rule revealed in the life and teaching of Jesus that can only be recognized by those who had faith in Him. The secret was the secret of Jesus’ Messiahship and divine Sonship and yet it was partly hidden and partly seen. I remember how Jesus manifested His Sonship in His authoritative teaching, His miracles and casting out of demons; but on the other hand Jesus asked people to keep quiet about His miracles not to reveal His true identity. Believers would see the truth but unbelievers will “not see”, “not understand” (Mark 4:12) it.

Second, the secret could also refer to the humility and suffering of Jesus. This was a “mystery” because everyone expected the Kingdom of God to be full of power and glory. But, unfortunately Jesus’ life and His first coming was not full of power and glory in the way people of His time expected. On the contrary, it was full of humility and suffering.

Third, the secret could also refer to the fact that all the expectations concerning the coming of the Kingdom of God were not all fulfilled at once. The Jews expected that the coming of the Kingdom would mean judgment for God’s enemies (particularly, Rome) and deliverance and power for God’s people. They expected the Messiah to rule as a great King (read John 12) but this did not happen in the ministry of Jesus (However Jesus was saying that the Kingdom of God really had come in His life and ministry even though the expected signs could not be seen).

After that Jesus continued, “But the others, who are on the outside, hear all things by means of parables, so that, ‘They may look and look, yet not see; they may listen and listen, yet not understand. For if they did, they would turn to God, and he would forgive them’” (Mark 4:12, GNB). Jesus was quoting Isaiah 6:9 when He said this because, I think, He wanted to compare His unresponsive listeners with the hard-hearted people in Isaiah’s day who rejected God’s message. Now I understand the ministry of Isaiah as told in Isaiah 6:9. Now I understand why there was many people want to become Jesus’ followers but not His disciples. The parable – all parables – are “the secret of the Kingdom of God” revealed to the believers and sincere seekers, but it is the “the secret” hidden to the unbelievers and hard-hearted listeners. Which one are you?

Do you know the Secret?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus Used Parables to Teach. Why? (A Reflection on Mark 4:1-2)

“Again Jesus began to teach beside Lake Galilee.
The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it.
The boat was out in the water, and the crowd stood on the shore at the water’s edge.
He used parables to teach them many things” (Mark 4:1-2, GNB)

Understand that as you read this Jesus didn’t have access to chalkboards, PowerPoint slideshow, live video, audio recording or all other sophisticated teaching aids. He just used whatever around Him. I admire Him for being a Master at using objects available as tools in His teachings. He sometime pointed at ordinary fig trees and gave lessons to teach the people. He pointed to sheep, water, grain, farmers, bread, the Temple and other physical objects as illustrations of spiritual values. He even knew how to avoid large crowd from crushing Him by “got into a boat” – and at the same time this position (see picture above) can provide a good echoing sound system to the large crowd! Brilliant!

Here we read Jesus “used parables to teach them many things.” What is parable? A parable, in the simplest meaning, is a simple story drawn from ordinary nature or everyday life which conveyed spiritual truth. A parable is like a story to make a comparison (Jesus always do this). Why Jesus used parables? Because most people just like you and me today have closed minds to many spiritual things. The people at that time were illiterate and most of them only received their knowledge of the Scripture from the synagogue. We on the other hand, are often being spoon feed by everyone or anyone else that speak at the pulpits. They need to hear more but we hear too much. Thus, both effects may cause instead of having critical, analytic and open minds, we become closed mind and often not thinking. Because of this, parable serve well in communicating and understanding truth – verbal and images – that make people think, imagine and respond.

I find that parable (instead of direct doctrinal teachings) is very interesting, down-to-earth, thought-provoking, and refreshing. It is also accessible, powerful and memorable. Here I learned 3 important lessons from Jesus on how to communicate the Good News based on His used of parables in His teachings: Firstly, Jesus taught me to tell the truths in simple-ordinary everyday language. In order to do this, I need to imitate His examples. He knew the people and places around Him very well. Secondly, Jesus taught me to engage people’s hearts and minds to response to the Good News message. Examples and questions. Prayer and persuasion. Thinking and feeling. Reality and imagination. And lastly, Jesus taught me to maximize the use of common knowledge, daily news and the Scripture. Try to avoid or minimize the use of massive technology tools.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Part 1: Jesus Christ – Main Aspects of His Ministry (iii)

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.