When you follow Jesus, you’re called to join him in a ministry of serving the needs of other people.
Mark 1:29-39 NRSV
[29] As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. [30] Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. [31] He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
[32] That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. [33] And the whole city was gathered around the door. [34] And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
[35] In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. [36] And Simon and his companions hunted for him. [37] When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” [38] He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.”
[39] And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.
Why wouldn’t Jesus let the demons talk about him? Two possible reasons. First, he wanted his story told by his people, not by demonic forces. Second, he wasn’t interested in building his reputation on hype but rather through ministry.
We are NOT called to be celebrities, to be popular, to be the envy of the world.
We are called to serve.
We’re invited into a ministry of…
Healing – bringing Jesus and his healing message to those whose lives are broken.
Praying – relating to God, interceding for others, and walking in God’s power as we go.
Teaching – Sharing the gospel with everyone in the context of relationships and conversations as we go.
If you’re not yet a believer, you are called to believe.
God is calling you into a relationship with himself.
If you’re a believer, you are called into ministry.
God has gifted and empowered you to make a difference in the lives of others.
