Ministry

Jesus’ ministry only lasted three years, but the effect of it has completely changed history. In studying the critical components of his ministry, we can better ascertain the purpose for which he came. 

The Revelation of the Christ 

Teaching with Authority 

  • Jesus started his teaching ministry when he came to his hometown and read from the Scriptures (Luke 4:14-22). 
  • Jesus’ teaching was characterized as having authority (Matt 7:28-29), unlike the scribes (Mark 1:21-22). 

Teaching for Change 

  • Jesus’ teaching raised the bar concerning holiness (Matthew 5-7). 
  • At Jesus’ Transfiguration, the Father told the disciples to listen to him (Matt. 17:5). 
  • Jesus’ teaching often caused the crowds to decrease instead of increase.  
  • When many disciples walked away from his challenging teachings, Peter said, “To whom else can we go? You have words of eternal life” (John 6:68). 

Teaching in Parables 

  • He often spoke in parables so those with Kingdom eyes could understand (Matt. 13:10-17). 
  • Yet even his disciples had to have private explanations from time to time (Mark 4:10-20). 
  • Jesus’ utilizing parables made his lessons memorable and explained hidden spiritual things (Matt. 13:34-35). 

The Supplication of the Christ 

“But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray” (Luke 5:16). 

  • Jesus prayed alone (Matt. 14:23; Mark 1:35; Luke 9:18; 22:39-41), in public (John 11:41-42; 12:27-30), before meals (Matt. 26:26; Mark 8:6; Luke 24:30; John 6:11), before important decisions (Luke 6:12-13), before healing (Mark 7:34-35), after healing (Luke 5:16), and to do the Father’s will (Matt. 26:36-44) just to name a few. 
  • In heaven, he now lives to make intercession for us (Heb. 7:25). 

“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him since he always lives to make intercession for them.” 

  • What are some of the amazing things that the disciples witnessed Jesus do? 
  • With all the disciples experienced, they asked Jesus to teach them one thing: 

“He was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples’” (Luke 11:1). 

  • At that time, Jesus gave what we call the Lord’s Prayer. 

The Lord’s Prayer 

  • Honoring God – For what reasons do you have to glorify God today? 
  • Committing to Follow God’s Will – Is there anything you need to change? 
  • Depending Upon God’s Provision – What needs do you need to put in the hands of God? 
  • Forgiving Others – Who do you need to forgive?  
  • Keeping Us from Temptation – Any danger areas? 
  • Praising God – Any reasons to worship? 

The Manifestation of the Christ 

  • Jesus showed that he could perform the impossible (Luke 18:27). 
  • His miracle or sign part of his ministry was to increase people’s faith (Mark 9:23). 
  • No matter the amazing nature of these miracles, Jesus’ followers had difficulty trusting in him when the next impossible situation presented itself (Matt. 14:13-21). 
  • Jesus was also aware of those who were following his signs and not actually him (John 2:23-25). 

“Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed’” (John 20:28).