Enough Talk!

Scripture – Matthew 4:23-25: ²³Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. ²⁴News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. ²⁵Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) What catches my attention here is the three-fold nature of Jesus’ ministry – teaching, preaching and healing. He had a simple, focused perspective on that. He didn’t have committee meetings or planning meetings. He didn’t do demographic research and try to target a specific group of people. He just “went throughout Galilee.” And large crowds followed Him.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Sometimes I think too much about ministry and mission. Instead of just doing tit, I consider possibilities and plan to attend yet another workshop or read another article. I will stop doing all that and just deal with the people I meet. Yes, I have a specific role for ministry within the church. At the same time, I bump into all kinds of people most days. In those relationships I will be intentional about serving Christ by serving them.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please teach me again to love as you love – to bring a word as you do. Use me in an active way today. Help me love the people I meet.