A Pattern for World-Transforming Ministry

And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them. Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea (Luke 4: 38-44).

After His powerful work in the synagogue at Capernaum, Jesus left to get some rest. As His community-impacting ministry continued at Simon‘s house, He further prepared the disciples to carry on after Him by revealing a pattern for world-transforming ministry.

Jesus was preaching in the synagogue. Jesus’ ministry began with preaching God’s word to God’s people. In His day God’s people gathered locally in the synagogue, a Greek name for the place where Jews assembled, congregated, and gathered for worship, preaching, teaching, and fellowship. Later, His disciples would gather in a similar way as the local church, ekklēsia in Greek, meaning a called out assembly, congregation, gathering of believers. Jesus intentionally preached God’s word in the synagogues of His day to establish a primary responsibility for the churches in the future. Disciples grow in faith and are empowered for service as they hear the transforming word of God preached and taught in their local church… “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Are you being challenged and equipped for greater Christ-glorifying work by the preaching and teaching of your local church?

Jesus was reaching out to the community. Jesus left the synagogue to retreat from the crowd, share a meal, and get some rest. But upon entering the house, the Master was met with a need. Simon’s mother-in-law was sick. Without hesitation, Jesus went to work, and with a word He rebuked the fever. She was healed and set free to serve the disciples. Jesus taught by His actions here that life in the church should equip us for a powerful world-transforming life in the community, after the example of Christ… “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12). Are you being challenged and equipped by your local church to get involved in ministry that is transforming your community?

Jesus was seeking intimacy with God. As word about Jesus’ healing power spread, crowds of needy people began to arrive at Peter’s doorstep. The master made time for each one, touching, healing, and delivering all who sought relief. It was the end of a long day of ministry. Luke’s report implies that the work went on well into the night and at daybreak Jesus retreated to a quiet place. Resisting the temptation to return to the work, Jesus taught by His actions the primacy of fellowship with His Father. Effective, community-transforming disciples must resist the temptation to let ministry replace fellowship with Christ. If we want to become more like Christ and in turn, be an increasing reflection of Him to our community, we must spend much time with Him in His word, where the Spirit makes us more like Him… “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Does your local church encourage the primacy of your intimate fellowship with Christ, so that you might become a transforming reflection of His glory to your community?

As we grow up into Christ healthy local churches help us impact our community by following…

A Pattern for World-Transforming Ministry.